Stone Club Head Or Disc-shaped Club Head On A Base

Origin: Papua New Guinea

Period: 19th century or much older

Dimensions: 15 cm (H) x 12.5 cm (W) x 6.5 cm (W)

An exceptionally beautiful disc-shaped club head, discovered in Papua New Guinea (Oceania), carved from a magnificent speckled black stone. Although it is difficult to precisely date its origin, as these objects have been made and used for millennia, this piece dates to the 19th century at the latest, but likely from a much earlier period. Used as a weapon of war, this massive stone bears traces of use and wear from combat. It is displayed on a custom-made metal stand included.

Beyond its historical significance, this object also possesses remarkable sculptural appeal, making it a work of art as much as a weapon of war.

Provenance: the famous Jolika Collection, owned by John and Marcia Friede—the majority of this collection was bequeathed to the De Young Museum in San Francisco, thus forming the core of its collection.