A Rare Form of Fijian Club ‘Gugu’ or ‘Siriti’

A Rare Form of Fijian Club ‘Gugu’ or ‘Siriti’
Fine aged patina and lustrous colour
Wood ‘nokonoko’
Fiji, Viti Levu Island
19th Century or earlier

SIZE: 88cm long - 34??? ins long

PROVENANCE: UK Auction, 9th May 1966, Lot 37 (part)
Ex UK Private collection

This rare type of club, ‘Siriti’ (lotus club) or ‘Gugu’ (Ququ) was said to be used by priests and chiefs. Visiting Westerners called such objects ‘lotus’ or ‘butterfly’ clubs. The head incorporates stylised designs of fish from which its Fijian name is derived.

SEE: For a similar club: Art and Artefacts, The James Hooper Collection, Steven Phelps, Hutchison & Co, London, 1976, plate 114, page 201, number 879