#13  FIJIAN ULA W/ HUGE LOBED HEAD & TALLY SYSTEM

Origin: W. Polynesia, Fiji   (Provenance: Ex. Casey and Laurie Conway Collection, Kingman Arizona.  Ex. Christies auction house.  Likely mid 1980s but sale location, date and lot number are unknown)

Period/Date: At least early 19th century

Materials:  Hardwood (root of a shrub)

Description:  This ula has many desirable features making it a great example!  Its lobed head is beautifully formed and has huge volume and attractive wood grain.  Its shaft has a meandering line of 34 dots representing a tally system.  There is an intentionally carved dimple on the top of one of the lobes but its original meaning is unknown.  This ula was and still is imbued with significant "mana".  There is an age crack on one side of the head, some minor loss and hairline cracks on the shaft.  Specimens like this are sought after and getting harder to find.  There is a label from a pervious owner on the butt: #12 Fiji War Club 19th Cent Christies.  Presented on a custom metal stand not shown.

Dimensions:   Height 17"  (43.5 cm), Width 4.5"  (11.5 cm)

Price:   $2000   Currency Conversion   FREE SHIPPING When Using "Buy Now" Feature

Detail of Carved Dimple on top lobe