{"product_id":"fijian-rootstock-war-club","title":"An Impressive 19th-Century Fijian Rootstock War Club","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"192\" data-end=\"528\"\u003eThis formidable \u003cstrong data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"230\"\u003erootstock war club\u003c\/strong\u003e from 19th-century Fiji demonstrates both the ingenuity and artistry of Fijian weapon-making traditions. Carved from a single piece of hardwood, the club features a substantial head formed from the natural branching of the rootstock, lending it both visual drama and devastating impact in combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"914\"\u003eThe long shaft is finely decorated with incised \u003cem data-start=\"578\" data-end=\"588\"\u003etavatava\u003c\/em\u003e (zig-zag) motifs, a hallmark of Fijian carving, providing both grip and ornamentation. The surface has acquired an \u003cstrong data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"732\"\u003eexceptional, deep patina\u003c\/strong\u003e, a testament to its age, handling, and careful preservation. Beautifully balanced, the club exemplifies the dual role of such weapons as both tools of war and symbols of prestige.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"948\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"946\"\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"949\" data-end=\"1319\"\u003eRootstock clubs were among the most feared and respected weapons in Fijian society. The swelling, root-formed head could shatter bones with a single blow, making these clubs practical on the battlefield while also serving as emblems of chiefly authority. Beyond warfare, they embodied spiritual and social status, often carried in ceremonies or displayed as heirlooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1352\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1350\"\u003eComparative Examples\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1353\" data-end=\"1630\"\u003eComparable examples of rootstock war clubs are held in major collections, including the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1484\"\u003eMuseum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1530\"\u003eMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1558\"\u003eBritish Museum\u003c\/strong\u003e, each recognised for their commanding scale and intricate decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1632\" data-end=\"1660\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1637\" data-end=\"1658\"\u003eCollector’s Value\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1942\"\u003ePieces of this calibre are highly sought after by collectors of Oceanic art for their sculptural presence, rich surface patina, and historic significance. With its impressive length and weight, this example stands as both a weapon of authority and a work of art in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"2128\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"1955\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fiji\u003cbr data-start=\"1960\" data-end=\"1963\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"1972\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 19th century\u003cbr data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"1994\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1994\" data-end=\"2007\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardwood\u003cbr data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2019\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2019\" data-end=\"2030\"\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 115 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2037\" data-end=\"2040\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2040\" data-end=\"2054\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent patina throughout; minor age-related wear consistent with use\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51986639061329,"sku":null,"price":1450.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_0ab29166-2aa3-46f3-b16c-15dc9542a468.jpg?v=1758966089","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/products\/fijian-rootstock-war-club","provider":"nwtiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}