Price on application
This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance
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An Unusually Small Vanuatu Ball Headed Club.
Fine glossy patina, old wear from use, very old loss.
Wood.
New Hebrides, Vanuatu, Northern Malekula.
19th Century.
PROVENANCE:
Ex Danish collection.
Ex Private collection.
During the 19th century the Islanders of the New Hebrides suffered extreme abuse at the hands of whalers and other traders and they became known for their hostility. Their most famous victim was the Reverend John Williams, a Welsh Methodist missionary, ‘The Martyr of Erromanga’ who was killed in 1839, and ever after commemorated in a ‘Baxter’ print.
Despite this, although inter-tribal warfare was frequent on the Islands it took the form of ambushes and local skirmishes and there were few fatalities. A carved wood club such as this was the most favoured weapon.
Dimensions
63cm long - 24¾ ins longThe BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
