An elegant Phalic war club from Gaua Island, Vanuatu, First part 20th century. Hardwood, Dark patina. Dimension: 80 cm high. In the Banks islands, men of high status in the Suque grade-level system would carry a club like this one during ceremonies . The stylized conical carvings on top represent the number of wives of the owner . These clubs were carrying Mana and used alternatively as sign of prestige and fighting club during war . Most Clubs were buried with it's owner after he past away or left behind by testament like probably this exemple . Referenced : Ethnology of Vanuatu, Felix Speiser 1923 plate 58, #29