i Ula Tavatava

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 a lobed head and adjoining handle. The head is carved into nine concentric lobes with a flanged central dome. A crack is visible in the groove between two lobes due to wear and age, and in a groove between two other lobes is a small natural cavity. The handle is long and cylindrical in shape. Tavatava (shallow incisions) consisting of a zigzag design, are carved across the lower half of the handle in light relief. The butt of the handle has a shallow chip and a hole drilled in its centre, with a fragment of fibre plugged inside. The i Ula is a medium brown colour and has a glossy patina.