pōvai apa'apai

human history

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 entire pōvai is elaborately carved with geometric lines and patterns as well as human and animal figures.

Accession number: 1950.128 Last Update: 10 Dec 2020
Place
Tonga/Pacific
Accession Number

1950.128

Accession Date

04 Jul 1950

Other Id

31865 (ethnology)

510b (Oldman Collection)

Department

Pacific

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