Malaita Solomon Islands 'Supe, Supi or Subi' Ironwood Fighting Club

A Fine Malaita Solomon Islands 'Supe, Supi or Subi' Ironwood Fighting Club
Marked with an inventory No. 'OC 017' near the handle
Old smooth polished dark patina
Mid 19th Century
Size: 72cm long, 22.5cm wide – 28¼ ins long, 8¾ ins wide
These hand clubs have a characteristic rhomboid or lozenge shaped blade with vertical and horizontal ridges, which bisect the width and length of the club on both sides. They are indigenous to the Malaita and the Maramasike Islands of the eastern Solomon archipelago where it was used as a fighting club and is said to have had symbolism of a sexual significance.
The Solomon warrior’s armoury consisted of spears, bows, slings and clubs which were generally of a heavy ironwood that had been submerged in mud for around a month so that they acquired a glossy almost black surface. It is these clubs that were used in battle to 'finish off the enemy' (Ivens 1930:178)

Malaita Solomon Islands 'Supe, Supi or Subi' Ironwood Fighting Club

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+44 (0)7768 236921
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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk