Arms and Armour: Recent Acquisitions

A selection of arms and armour recently added to the collection: Fijian, Tongan and Māori clubs, a Bahinemo war shield from the Sepik, and a small group of Ottoman and Indian pieces. Each is described in full on its own page; you may also browse our Islamic Arms and Armour and Oceanic Tribal Art collections.

A Finely Carved Fijian Ula Throwing Club with TavaTava Head

Fiji, circa 1750–1800. Hardwood, the head carved with radiating leaf-like motifs.
Price on request

Fijian Lobed Ula Throwing Club

Fiji, circa 1750–1800. Hardwood, with the original incised decoration to the handle.
Price on request

Fijian Gata War Club (Gata Waka)

Carved from dense hardwood; gata means snake in Fijian, after the curving, serpent-like head.
Price on request

Fijian Totokia War Club (Beaked Battle Hammer)

Carved from vesi (ironwood), with the characteristic spiked head and projecting beak.
Price on request

Maori Taiaha – Quarter-Staff Club

New Zealand, circa 1850. Hardwood; 145 cm.
Price on request

An Exceptional Native Tongan Ironwood War Club

Tonga, circa 1800. Ironwood, incised with shark-tooth patterns; 101 cm.
£17,500

An Ottoman Silver Thread Embroidered Double Holster

Ottoman Empire, 19th century. Textile with fine silver-thread embroidery.
Price on request

Maori Greywacke Basalt Patu Onewa Ceremonial Club

New Zealand, 19th century. Greywacke basalt; 34 cm.
£8,000

19th Century Tongan Apa’apai ‘Coconut Stalk’ Club

Tonga, 19th century. Hardwood; 121 cm.
Price on request

Maori Whalebone Club (Patu), New Zealand

New Zealand, 19th century. Whalebone; 34 cm.
Price on request

Large Fijian Ironwood Sali War Club

Fiji, late 19th century. Carved ironwood; 108 cm.
£22,000

Bahinemo War Shield, Upper Sepik River, Papua New Guinea

Bahinemo people, Middle April River, East Sepik Province; 19th century or earlier. Carved wood; 180 cm.
Price on request

Oceanic Totokia War Club

Fiji, 19th century. Vesi wood.
Price on request

A Substantial Rootstock Oceanic Fijian Tribal War Club

Fiji, 19th century. Rootstock wood, retaining the original corded grip; 113 cm.
£1,950

Indian Powder Flask

Western India (possibly Gujarat), 18th–19th century. Mother-of-pearl and bone.
£3,900

New Zealand Whalebone ‘Kotiate’ Club

New Zealand, 19th century. Whalebone; 31 cm.
Price on request

A Fine Carved Cut-Steel Chape, Mughal India

India, circa 1700. Steel scabbard tip carved in high relief with flowering plants; 10 cm.
£4,250

All pieces may be viewed at 45 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JL, by appointment. For further details or images, please contact us.