Figian Fly Whisk, Carved Handle with Horsehair ca. 19th century Item Number: 929251 $1,395.00

DescriptionFigian Fly Whisk from the Figi Islands, ca. 19th century. Antique carved whale ivory handle (originally from a European parasol most likely traded to the natives by earlier travlers), attached to a wood and fiber tail. Throughout Polynesia flywhisks were a symbol of Chiefly rank and were found in the possession of Chiefs or men of privilege; however, whatever their ultimate significance was, fly whisks originated out of necessity, as many of the small islands of the Pacific support enormous populations of flies. The flywhisk can be seen being used by early settlers on Fiji in 19th century photographs and to have been so quickly adopted by them the numbers of flies must have been a severe problem. Sometimes flywhisks were recycled from other objects such as the handle or shaft of an old fighting club or a spear point which brought with them ‘mana’ from their previous use. 13-1/2"L, in overall good condition with signs of use. On custom display stand.

ProvenanceEx-private Hawaii Collection.