Exceptional Paddle Club, Tonga Islands
moungalaulau
Wood
Length 50 3/8in (128cm)

Provenance
European Private Collection
Sotheby's, New York, 19 May 2001, Lot 40
Roberta and Lance Entwistle, London/Paris
American Private Collection

As noted by Adrienne Kaeppler, 'Tongan clubs were the most numerous type of artifacts collected on Cook's voyages. Quite a number can be located, but many have lost their association with Cook's voyages. More than 50 clubs from the Leverian Museum alone have lost their association with the voyages and are unidentified today. Because they are so numerous, Tongan clubs are particularly useful for studies of change in the short period between Cook's second and third voyage. At a reception for Cook in Ha'apai, club fighting was apparently used for entertainment.' (Artificial Curiosities, Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, 1978, p. 238)

Superbly carved, most likely without metal tools, with incised decoration throughout of geometric bands on the lower part and distinct sections decorated with over forty glyphs including numerous birds, moons, standing figures and figures holding clubs and paddles; superb rich, dark brown patina.

Very good condition with only minor nicks and abrasions to surface.