KANAK BIRD HEAD CLUB, POROWA RA MARU
NEW CALEDONIA
Estimate: £600 - £900
Auction: 13 March 2025 from 13:00 GMT
Description
carved wood, with a stepped handle, the cylindrical shaft leading to a triangular stylized 'bird head' with long beak, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
76cm tall
Provenance
Clive Loveless, London, United Kingdom
Footnote
The uniquely shaped porowa ra maru, or "bird head," clubs from New Caledonia were status symbols made for chiefs, representing wealth and authority. They were sometimes exchanged as gifts during ceremonies.
The club heads are carved to resemble stylised bird heads, typically featuring long, pointed beaks. However, as no native bird on the island has such a beak, some scholars suggest the design may depict a sea turtle’s head with its protruding, beak-like mouth. The slender beak tips are highly fragile and would likely break if used in combat, indicating that these clubs were mainly ceremonial.