A Rare Fijian Barbed Spear or Javelin 'Sokilaki'
A Rare Fijian Barbed Spear or Javelin ‘Sokilaki’ the six tiers of the long flared barbs
leading to a spear point
Inscribed with the number 1296 to the shaft
19th century
Size : 117 cm long, 9 cm dia ( max ) – 46 ins long, 3½ ins dia
leading to a spear point
Inscribed with the number 1296 to the shaft
19th century
Size : 117 cm long, 9 cm dia ( max ) – 46 ins long, 3½ ins dia
A great variety of Fijian spears and javelins were made, some often up to 15 feet long. Carved out of single spurs of dense hardwood their forms are both ornamental and functional. Used in battle prior to close combat they were either thrust as a pike or thrown as a javelin sometimes over long distances with the aid of a cord or throwing stick. The deadliest of all Fijian weapons, Williams writing in 1858 described one type as being called 'the priest is too late' !.
The long heavy javelins often lost their shafts when collected by Europeans to enable their transportation home.
The long heavy javelins often lost their shafts when collected by Europeans to enable their transportation home.
A Rare Fijian Barbed Spear or Javelin 'Sokilaki'
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