Advanced Search 
Club
Samoa
20th century
Object Place: Samoa
Medium/Technique
wood, wire
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2646
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Africa and Oceania
ClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing – Axes, maces, clubs
The Samoan Islands span nearly 450 kilometers of ocean. Much like Fiji, the Samoan islands were constantly enveloped in wars and skirmishes amongst the various chiefdoms. Fighting between the Samoans and the Tongans was particularly common one hundred years prior to the arrival of Cook's expedition. War clubs and spears are amongst the most common artifacts associated with the Islands. This club has notched tooth-like protrusions on the left side and what may be Samoan tattoo patterns on the right side.
ProvenanceGeneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)