Polynesian Tongan Chief’s Club of Paddle Form ‘Kini Kini’
A Rare Western Polynesian Tongan Chief’s Club of Paddle Form ‘Kini Kini’ Decorated with Two Abstract Wheel Formed ‘Eye’ Motifs Beneath Two Crescent Moons on the Engraved Blade having Transverse and Median Ridges
A pierced hole to the butt for a wrist thong
Damages to edges of the blade consistent with use
Old smooth silky natural patina
Late 18th – Early 19th Century
Size: 106.5cm long, 18cm wide - 42 ins long, 7 ins wide
A pierced hole to the butt for a wrist thong
Damages to edges of the blade consistent with use
Old smooth silky natural patina
Late 18th – Early 19th Century
Size: 106.5cm long, 18cm wide - 42 ins long, 7 ins wide
A much used specimen, this club of paddle form was made by Tongan craftsmen on the Island of Lau or windward Viti Levu. ‘Kini kini’ are said to have been owned by high chiefs and priests who by holding it on the battlefield were exempt from combat. The two circular motifs on the club acting as ‘eyes’ and affording spiritual protection. The meaning of the carefully zoned engraved designs is obscure, but they are probably connected to tattoo, barkcloth and woven matting iconography.
Named by Captain Cook as the ‘Friendly Islands’ it is thought that before the late 18th century warfare did not exist on Tonga and that wars were only fought abroad in Fiji or Samoa. However, in 1777 Cook witnessed martial exercises in which two opponents fought with clubs and soon after his departure war broke out throughout the Islands. Fortifications were erected and fleets of large seagoing canoes brought from Fiji were used to ferry warriors between the Islands. The Tongans were in fact fierce fighters and were highly respected even by the notoriously war-like Fijians.
Named by Captain Cook as the ‘Friendly Islands’ it is thought that before the late 18th century warfare did not exist on Tonga and that wars were only fought abroad in Fiji or Samoa. However, in 1777 Cook witnessed martial exercises in which two opponents fought with clubs and soon after his departure war broke out throughout the Islands. Fortifications were erected and fleets of large seagoing canoes brought from Fiji were used to ferry warriors between the Islands. The Tongans were in fact fierce fighters and were highly respected even by the notoriously war-like Fijians.
Ex Private French collection
Ex Private USA collection
Ex Private USA collection
Polynesian Tongan Chief’s Club of Paddle Form ‘Kini Kini’
SOLD
