Pōvai

human history

Pōvai. Stick club. Pōvai is a type of club that was used by men during times of combat and warfare. It was used for hand to hand combat or close contact fighting. This pōvai is carved from a large block of wood, is cylindrical in shape and flares out slightly towards the head. It has eight flat sides carved into it lengthwise from base to tip, though generally cylindrical in shape. There is 'afa (sennit) wrapped around the autā just above the handle, this may have been to aid with grip.

Accession number: 1984.132 Last Update: 14 Sept 2023
Other Name

Stick club (English)

Place
Samoa/Pacific
Accession Number

1984.132

Accession Date

1984

Other Id

50823 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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