{"product_id":"fijian-gata","title":"Fijian Gata War Club (Gata Waka)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarved from dense hardwood, this striking \u003cstrong\u003eFijian Gata war club\u003c\/strong\u003e (also known as \u003cem\u003egata waka\u003c\/em\u003e) exemplifies the artistry and symbolic power of Polynesian weaponry. The term \u003cem\u003egata\u003c\/em\u003e means \u003cem\u003esnake\u003c\/em\u003e in the Fijian language, a reference to the weapon’s distinctive curving, serpent-like head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, the gata was more than a weapon of war:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMartial Use\u003c\/strong\u003e: Its heavy hardwood body and angled head made it a formidable close-combat weapon in battle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCeremonial Role\u003c\/strong\u003e: It was also carried in traditional dances and rituals, symbolising power, agility, and spiritual protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e: The form recalls both the \u003cem\u003ekiakavo\u003c\/em\u003e dance club and the serpent, an enduring figure in Fijian cosmology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example features a finely studded, textured surface across the striking head, enhancing grip and adding an element of visual richness. The craftsmanship reflects the dual nature of Fijian clubs as both practical weapons and cultural artefacts of great prestige.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparable examples are held in the collections of the \u003cstrong\u003eFiji Museum\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003eBritish Museum\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the \u003cstrong\u003eMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA piece such as this would have been carried by a high-ranking warrior, valued as much for its symbolic meaning as its battlefield utility. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection ON20","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52005597184337,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/0W2A6086.webp?v=1759154766","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/products\/fijian-gata","provider":"nwtiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}