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 lobed head and long slender handle. The head of the i Ula is made up of seven lobes and a central dome with natural fissures in the wood due to the natural formation of the rootstock. A deep fissure is apparent near the underside of the head, and another between two lobes, towards the upper area of the head. The handle is cylindrical in shape and flares slightly towards the butt. Top half of the handle has lines of dots carved into the wood arranged along the length of the handle. Tavatava (shallow incisions) consisting of a zigzag design is carved in light relief all around the lower half of the handle. The butt of the handle is concave and there is a long crack from the butt and up the side of the handle. Fine cracks all over the surface of the handle and the head of the i Ula. The i Ula is dark brown in colour and glossy patina.

Whakahounga o Mua: 20 Sept 2018
Ingoa Kē

Throwing club (English)

Wāhi
Fiji
Rā Tāpiringa

1924

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

14780.8 (ethnology)

O50 (Edge-Partington)

Wāhanga

Pacific

Uiuitia Tirohanga API
12 Mātātuhi
i Ula Tavatava, 14780.8, O50, Photographed by Awhina Kerr, digital, 18 Sep 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
Tirohia ngā pikitia ( 12)