Solomon/PNG for want of better info

Tim Simmons · 24th October 2024, 10:38 AM

10thRoyal,

Thank you for your input , much appreciated. I am not an expert. "Expert", well I could see an "Expert" really no more than an expert in the market, what sells. Especially when it involves clubs and the like, which unlike edged weapons that are often dated and their origin and recording being far more obviously. Many an expert seem to me to just have the means to acquire the best looking and colour of the most desired pieces {in the book} I could question, does that make you an expert?

Looking at the handle the pattern is quite unlike Fijian/Tongan work which as you can see is a tight form of small zigzag carving. The Trobriand zigzag is looser more of a snake zigzag. The upper decorated part of the grip with the grid pattern looks very unlike Fijian carving. The lime inlay is also as far as I have seen not generally a feature on Fijian/Tongan clubs. The knobbly Fijian cubs you post here are to my eye a little less well carved {blasphemy of the cult of over priced ubiquitous Fijian clubs} These are the reason why I suggest the Solomon Islands, PNG and possibly the Bismark Archipelago. However if viewers can be more positive or persuasive do contribute. One rather unlikely origin could be South America. I think if it were to be displayed with right lighting in a Parisian or Belgian gallery it would be given an a origin.

24th October 2024, 10:38 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,804	10thRoyal, Thank you for your input , much appreciated. I am not an expert. "Expert", well I could see an "Expert" really no more than an expert in the market, what sells. Especially when it involves clubs and the like, which unlike edged weapons that are often dated and their origin and recording being far more obviously. Many an expert seem to me to just have the means to acquire the best looking and colour of the most desired pieces {in the book} I could question, does that make you an expert? Looking at the handle the pattern is quite unlike Fijian/Tongan work which as you can see is a tight form of small zigzag carving. The Trobriand zigzag is looser more of a snake zigzag. The upper decorated part of the grip with the grid pattern looks very unlike Fijian carving. The lime inlay is also as far as I have seen not generally a feature on Fijian/Tongan clubs. The knobbly Fijian cubs you post here are to my eye a little less well carved {blasphemy of the cult of over priced ubiquitous Fijian clubs} These are the reason why I suggest the Solomon Islands, PNG and possibly the Bismark Archipelago. However if viewers can be more positive or persuasive do contribute. One rather unlikely origin could be South America. I think if it were to be displayed with right lighting in a Parisian or Belgian gallery it would be given an a origin.