pōvai apa'apai

pōvai apa'apai. Coconut stalk club. pōvai were used by men and warriors in times of warfare and combat. pōvai is the general name for clubs in Tonga, each pōvai has a specific name according to its make and purpose. This is a pōvai apa'apai is carved form one block of toa (iron wood), it is polished and dark brown in colour. The handle is cylindrical in shape and it flattens and tapers out into the blade which flares out, diamond in cross sections and flat topped. The handle is smooth and unmarked while the blade is carved in a criss cross pattern.