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 finely fluted, domed head and long tapered handle. The head of the i Ula is fluted into three tiers of segments topped with a flanged central dome protruding from the top. The handle is cylindrical. There are three lines of carved dots down the length of the handle towards the centre. A line of dots carved in a circle on the underside of the head. 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 dark reddish brown in colour and highly polished patina. The butt of the handle is slightly concave.

Accession number: 1934.364 Last Update: 20 Sept 2018
Other Name

Throwing club (English)

Place
Fiji
Accession Number

1934.364

Accession Date

10 Oct 1934

Other Id

20896 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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i Ula Tavatava, 1934.364, 20896, Photographed by Awhina Kerr, digital, 19 Sep 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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