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Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. 18th century CE. A lengthy patu (war club) made of dark-grey slate with a wide profile and a slender body. The handle is gently tapered relative to the width of the paddle-shaped striking face and has a single perforation meant for suspending the weapon from a belt or a hook when not in use. One side of the body exhibits an acutely-angled edge, perhaps meant for cracking bone or other weaponry. The patu is a traditional weapon form of the Maori people who, prior to European arrival in New Zealand, fought between their tribes using hand-to-hand combat. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 2.875″ W x 12.625″ H (7.3 cm x 32.1 cm); 14.25″ H (36.2 cm) on included custom stand.
For a similar, intact example, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1979.206.1436: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/313625
An intact, stylistically-similar example made from basalt hammered for EUR 6,875 ($8,077.09) at Christie’s, Paris (sale 12714, April 4, 2017, lot 37): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/sculptures-statues-figures/massue-maori-patu-onewa-maori-club-6065262-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6065262&sid=f76a4791-d42e-422a-8a5b-02f08e27dafa
Condition: Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use, losses to areas of striking face, edges, handle, and suspension hole, and some fading to grey coloration. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory sticker on base.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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