condensed discuss document expanded export feedback print share remove reset document_white enquire_white export_white report_white

Collections Online

Collections record

discuss document export feedback print share gallery-landscape xml

pōvai apa'apai

human history
  • Other Name

    pouai (Tongan)

  • Description

    pōvai apa'apai. Coconut stalk club. pōvai were used by men and warriors in times of warfare and combat. pōvai is the general name for clubs in Tonga, each pōvai has a specific name according to its make and purpose. This is a pōvai apa'apai is carved form one block of toa (iron wood), it is polished and dark brown in colour. The handle is cylindrical in shape and it flattens and tapers out into the blade which flares out, diamond in cross sections and flat topped.

    The handle is smooth and unmarked while the blade is carved in a criss cross pattern.

  • Place
    Tonga/Pacific
  • Accession Date
    Unknown
  • Other Id

    14697 (ethnology)

    L22 (Edge-Partington)

  • Department

    Pacific

club, 14697, L22, Cultural Permissions Apply

Images and documents

Images

  • club, 14697, L22, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • club, 14697, L22, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • club, 14697, L22, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • club, 14697, L22, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • club, 14697, L22, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • club, 14697, L22, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • club, 14697, L22, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • club

Artefact

The development of the Auckland War Memorial Museum online collection is an ongoing process; updates, new images and records are added weekly. In some cases, records have yet to be confirmed by Museum staff, and there could be mistakes or omissions in the information provided.

The gift of curiosity

With unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events, a Museum Membership is the gift that keeps on giving year-round.

SEE OPTIONS FROM $60

The gift of curiosity