£630
Classical Ancient Art // Form Through Time | 761
Auction: Form Through Time - 21st March 2024 at 2pm
carved wood, of oblong section, the club head terminating in an abstract human face of Janus form, with projecting nose and fine etched design above containing traces of the original lime inlay, the base of the handle with two raised ribs featuring three bands of carved geometric design
104cm long
Note:
War clubs from the island of Malaita, known as alafolo, were traditionally carved from tooa, a reddish hardwood. Featuring anthropomorphic designs, these clubs underwent a month-long submersion in mud, resulting in a darker, glossy appearance. The incised patterns were enhanced with white lime or ground powder from a stone known as foulafu. This embellishment took place before social gatherings and was deliberately temporary in its effect