Fiji
18th century
Wood, rootstock
Length: 45 in. (114.3 cm)
Provenance: Frits J. Schmidt Collection, Antwerp/London; private collection
The vanikau is a Fijian club form made from the natural rootstock of a hardwood tree, exploiting the dense, irregular growth of the root system to form the striking head. This example has a compact, multi-pronged head formed by the natural branching of the root, rising from a long, straight shaft bound at the grip with fiber cord. The use of rootstock rather than carved wood distinguishes the vanikau from other Fijian club types, as the maker selects and shapes a naturally occurring form rather than carving the head from the shaft material.
The shaft tapers evenly toward the lower terminal and carries a warm reddish-brown patina consistent with age and handling. The fiber binding at the grip is intact, its wrapping tight and even. The Frits J. Schmidt Collection, Antwerp/London, is a recognized provenance for Pacific material, and the 18th-century date places this among the earliest documented Fijian club forms in circulation.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Fiji
18th century
Wood, rootstock
Length: 45 in. (114.3 cm)
Provenance: Frits J. Schmidt Collection, Antwerp/London; private collection
The vanikau is a Fijian club form made from the natural rootstock of a hardwood tree, exploiting the dense, irregular growth of the root system to form the striking head. This example has a compact, multi-pronged head formed by the natural branching of the root, rising from a long, straight shaft bound at the grip with fiber cord. The use of rootstock rather than carved wood distinguishes the vanikau from other Fijian club types, as the maker selects and shapes a naturally occurring form rather than carving the head from the shaft material.
The shaft tapers evenly toward the lower terminal and carries a warm reddish-brown patina consistent with age and handling. The fiber binding at the grip is intact, its wrapping tight and even. The Frits J. Schmidt Collection, Antwerp/London, is a recognized provenance for Pacific material, and the 18th-century date places this among the earliest documented Fijian club forms in circulation.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
