Spurred "Snake" Club, Fiji Islandsgata length 39in (99cm)ProvenancePrivate Collection, ParisAcquired from the above by the present ownerRod Ewins notes, that the rough texture on one side was achieved by "pounding the young sapling with a rock while it was still growing, and/or deeply scoring the timber with the grain, both shaped the cutting edge and produced an irregular fissuring and roughening of the cheeks. Making a gata, as with virtually all Fijian clubs, was not something decided on the spur of the moment, but a carefully-planned project that took a number of years to bring to fruition." (Traditional Fijian Artefacts, Justpacific, Australia, 2004, p. 89.)This gata has a handle with incised zigzag design serving to enhance the grip, one side of the club with a rough, scoured surface, the striking side of the club beveled into a smooth V-section; superb varied reddish brown patina overall with an almost black patina on the striking edge near top; wear indicative of significant age and use.