Context (Field collection)
‘Material: toa wood (casuarina equisetifolia), aka ‘ironwood’ or ‘she-oak’, traditional timber of warclubs and other prestige carvings; nge’esi tofe (mother-of-pearl of the pearl oyster, tofe); mastic filler; lolo tonga (Tongan coconut oil). Construction: cut from a riven plank. shape formed with electric chainsaw, electric planer, bevel-edged chisels, benchtop disc sander, and V-sectioned gouge. Filled natural ‘shakes’ and oiled.
Artists: Sitiveni Fehoko (male), Popua village, Eastern Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu island, Tonga. Also of Ha’ano island, Ha’apai, Tonga.
Executed work during 2nd half of April, 2005. Steven is about 45, descended from Lemaki canoe-builders, and is a tufunga fo’u vaka himself. He has three shops in Nuku’alofa. Regarded as the best woodcarver living in Tonga.
From notes by ANndy Mills, 2006.
Event Date 5/1/2006
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Club of the pakipaki or moungalaulau type (rhomboidal section, sub-rhomboidal handle, paddle or oar-shaped). On both sides the pieces is inscribed with arched eyes, and incised with numerous kupesi-linear geometric designs. There are three pieces of pearl-shell inlay on each side representing a crescent moon, star-shaped ‘pigeon’ motif (lupe) and a lozenge. These emulate traditional whale ivory inlays - now clearly illegal to export. Square-ish arched butt-lug. Handle is plain.
[Description provided by Andy Mills, collector].
Event Date 5/1/2006
Author: maa