Nifo'oti

Nifo'oti. Hooked club. This nifo'oti is made from one piece of toa (iron wood). This nifo'oti has a long cylindrical handle that widens to a flat rectangular blade. At the tip of the blade is one lave (hook) carved from the same piece of wood. The blade is adorned with mamanu (Samoan decorative motifs) comprised of triangular indents. The surface of the nifo'oti is very smooth and is coloured a deep dark brown. The thicker edge of the blade is etched with the words "LATOGA I FALE ALUPO". The term nifo'oti is understood a number of ways. One theory references the nifo (curve) of an 'oti (goat) horn as being the inspiration behind the design. While another describes how the nifo (teeth) were used to 'oti (to cut). Traditionally the nifo'oti was used as an 'au'upega (weapon of war) to behead slain enemies and the lave used for storage. Today the nifo'oti survives as a dancing knife used by both male and females for entertainment purposes.