Pouvai

Pouvai. Club. This is a carved pouvai made from one piece of toa (ironwood). This pouvai is cylindrical from the handle to the blade. Coloured a deep dark brown, the pouvai has a smooth surface due to being polished. The pouvai is also adorned with mamanu (Samoan decorative motifs) in the form of eight bands. The mamanu are made of triangular indents which have been filled with white powder. This pouvai is an example of an 'au'upega (weapon of war) used during times of war in Samoa. This type of 'au'upega was used in close combat to make lethal blows at ones opponent.

Other Name

Club (English)

Place

Samoa/Pacific

Accession Number

1962.73

Accession Date

1962

Other Id

36749 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific