i Ula Tavatava

human history

i Ula. Throwing club. i Ula are carved from the rootstock of a hardwood tree. It is intended as a weapon that can be gripped in the hand or thrown in short range distances at assailants. This i Ula consists of a lobed head and long slender handle. The head of the i Ula is made up of nine lobes with a flanged central dome. The lobes have visible surface wear. There is a large crack in between two lobes and up the side of the central dome. The handle is cylindrical and flares slightly towards the butt. Tavatava (shallow incisions) consisting of a zigzag design is carved in light relief all around the lower half of the handle. The i Ula is reddish brown in colour and has a glossy patina.

Accession number: 1974.142 Last Update: 20 Sept 2018
Other Name

Throwing club (English)

Place
Fiji
Accession Number

1974.142

Accession Date

15 Nov 1974

Other Id

46608 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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i Ula Tavatava, 1974.142, 46608, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 15 Sep 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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