Niue Island, Polynesia
19th century
Wood
Height: 70 in. (177.8 cm)
Provenance: Private New Zealand collection
The kotoua is a club form specific to Niue Island, characterized here by a broad, flat tapered head that widens significantly from the shaft before tapering to a sharp terminal point. This example differs from the narrow-bladed kotoua type in its more pronounced shouldering at the upper blade, giving the weapon a distinctly leaf-like profile when viewed face-on. The piece dates to the 19th century and carries a warm, even patina consistent with age and use.
The shaft tapers continuously from the blade shoulder down to a fine lower point, with the transition between grip and blade handled without abrupt change in section. Surface tool marks from stone-adze carving remain visible along the shaft, reflecting the traditional manufacture technique of Niuean woodworking. The provenance from a private New Zealand collection is consistent with the regional circulation of 19th-century Niuean material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Niue Island, Polynesia
19th century
Wood
Height: 70 in. (177.8 cm)
Provenance: Private New Zealand collection
The kotoua is a club form specific to Niue Island, characterized here by a broad, flat tapered head that widens significantly from the shaft before tapering to a sharp terminal point. This example differs from the narrow-bladed kotoua type in its more pronounced shouldering at the upper blade, giving the weapon a distinctly leaf-like profile when viewed face-on. The piece dates to the 19th century and carries a warm, even patina consistent with age and use.
The shaft tapers continuously from the blade shoulder down to a fine lower point, with the transition between grip and blade handled without abrupt change in section. Surface tool marks from stone-adze carving remain visible along the shaft, reflecting the traditional manufacture technique of Niuean woodworking. The provenance from a private New Zealand collection is consistent with the regional circulation of 19th-century Niuean material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
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