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This is a club from the Solomon Islands. It is 38cm long, is a little over 50 years old and was made for the limited tourist trade in the 1960s. Too perfect and decorated to be mistaken for a club that did service against warring islands, but beautifully made. I find it fascinating that even carvings made to be sold, instead of used, follow traditional design and so must have been guided and advised by someone who knew the old meanings. This larger end is eight-sided as were the older designs. The original clubs from 100 years ago were made to be thrown but they also have quite a weight behind them so I imagine they could have been used at closer quarters.

I have a few keepsakes from the Pacific and Africa. I might show a few in this blog if people are interested.

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