Description (Labels & Markings)
One small paper label on one side, close to head, handwritten in black ink, 'Free Lib [?] / 6/12/85'.
Event Date
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Description (Labels & Markings)
One small square paper label with blue frame on one side, fainted pencil writing '[illegible] 76'.
Event Date
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Description (Labels & Markings)
One small paper label, blank, content worn off.
Event Date
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Description (Labels & Markings)
One small paper label printed '56'.
Event Date
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Description (Labels & Markings)
One paper label with blue frame handwritten in black ink reads 'Mus' and fainted pencil writing 'X [...] 76'.
Event Date
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Description (Physical description)
Club. Wooden club with thick flat elliptical head. Fine rows of serrated lines carved on shaft.
Event Date 12/6/2025
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Context (Analysis)
Te Rangi Hiroa, Sir Peter Buck mentions talking to a tulafale (orator; talking chief), Mamea, in Safotu, in Savai'i who told him that "a paddle shaped club made from ifilele wood was in great favour at Fa(n)galoa in Upolu".

There is some uncertainty about the origin of the paddle-shaped clubs, as the style is commonly associated with Fiji and Tonga, however, the Samoan variety, unlike their Fijian and Tongan counterparts, does not feature the distinctively intricate surface carving. It is also worth noting that the shape of the amuamu, although similar, is slightly different to the paddle clubs of Fiji and Tonga. Therefore, after considering Bucks' research, and my personal observations, I believe that this a Samoan amuamu.

I believe it also worth mentioning that, aesthetic influence was likely to occur because of the close political/economic relationships between Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. Perhaps there were instances where clubs were traded and marked with local designs.
Event Date 12/6/2025
Author: jimmy ma'ia'i

Description (Physical description)
Amuamu. Paddle club. Wooden club with a paddle-shaped blade. Blade features raised crossbar and central spine, and a crescent carved onto one face. Cylindrical shaft features three fine lines of surface carving spiraling towards the grip. The grip is carved with a vertical, and horizontal zig-zag pattern. Suspension lug at the butt.
Event Date 12/6/2025
Author: jimmy ma'ia'i