Fijian Gata Club-Seymour Lazar-Polynesian Weapon-Oceanic Art
I know I have mentioned this before but anyone with a real interest in Polynesian clubs I highly recommend reading Fergus Clunie’s “Fijian Weapons & Warfare.” The historical accounts of battle, revenge and humiliation cherished by 19th century Fijian warriors will curl your toes. Thus, it should come as no surprise the evident glee in the smallest details meant to cause pain and terror on the present Gata style club. The name gata means snake and the beautiful, ribbed section on this club was made while the tree was still growing by beating it with a stone to create the rows that resemble the coils of a snake. There is an elegant and lethal spur—of course—and bands of beautifully done kiakavo design. The patina is a glossy red brown. The club comes from the Seymour Lazar Collection, dates to the early 19th century, is 38 3/8” (97.4 cm) in height. SOLD