Polynesia, Fiji, 19th century CE. A very fine Fijian flywhisk known as I Roi - a symbol of a chief's rank or an elite owner's privileged status - comprised of ironwood with a finely braided coconut sennet fiber mane. Fijian chiefs and priests were regarded as somewhat divine. During times of war, they demonstrated their status with special garments and accoutrements such as bladed paddle clubs. During more peaceful periods, they demonstrated their revered status with bark cloth turbans, loincloths with long trains, and flywhisks like this example. Size (w/ mane): 20.25" L x 1.75" W (51.4 cm x 4.4 cm); 12.5" H (31.8 cm) on included custom stand.

As objects of high ranking persons as well as ceremonial attendants, flywhisks were used on Tonga, Samoa, as well as Fiji. Interestingly, Samoan and Tongan artisans settled in Fiji to create such regalia as well as canoes and weapons for chiefs; so it can be difficult to decipher the place of origin for such objects. In general, however, Samoan flywhisks have longer fiber pieces comprising the mane. Despite their symbolic meaning, flywhisks most likely originated out of necessity, because great populations of flies inhabited the islands of the Pacific.

See a similar example in the collection of the Auckland Museum (accession number 1925.92, 13526).

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Michael Evans collection, New Zealand, acquired in 2012

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#154569

Handle head is loose within mane by design. Minor abrasions and one stable hairline fissure to handle, with age-commensurate desiccation to mane fibers, otherwise intact and excellent. Great patina to handle. Old inventory label on handle base.