New Hebrides club?

Tim Simmons · 8th June 2016, 04:06 PM

One of three clubs I am lucky to have been able to acquire without great expense. This is bit of a brute 2.160 KG 56 cm long. It has a superficial resemblance to New Caledonia clubs at the handle. However I do not think it is from New Cal. Although the New Heb clubs are often the finest in the south seas in my opinion, big heavy rude clubs like this are found in the Islands and I think this is one of them. In spite of its simple file marked appearance, in the hand one can appreciate a savage quality, its old too.

colin henshaw · 8th June 2016, 09:12 PM

Interesting clubs, especially the first one, I like them. Both could be New Hebrides, from their style ? New Hebrides clubs often had those thick fibre loops.

Could they be commissions by European sailors for use on "blackbirders" ? The New Hebrides natives suffered from the depredations of European ships looking for labour to work on the Queensland sugar plantations, in the 19th century. Just a guess

8th June 2016, 04:06 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	New Hebrides club? One of three clubs I am lucky to have been able to acquire without great expense. This is bit of a brute 2.160 KG 56 cm long. It has a superficial resemblance to New Caledonia clubs at the handle. However I do not think it is from New Cal. Although the New Heb clubs are often the finest in the south seas in my opinion, big heavy rude clubs like this are found in the Islands and I think this is one of them. In spite of its simple file marked appearance, in the hand one can appreciate a savage quality, its old too. Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 8th June 2016 at 06:03 PM.

8th June 2016, 09:12 PM	#2
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Interesting clubs, especially the first one, I like them. Both could be New Hebrides, from their style ? New Hebrides clubs often had those thick fibre loops. Could they be commissions by European sailors for use on "blackbirders" ? The New Hebrides natives suffered from the depredations of European ships looking for labour to work on the Queensland sugar plantations, in the 19th century. Just a guess