IDNO

T.170015.GIJ

Description

Close-up of the head of a carved wooden mask or paddle on display in an exhibition. The mask is has round stubby eyes, mouth and ears. The head is rimmed and tapers below the mouth to a handle. [PB 31/08/2023]

The figure is now in the care of MAA, reference Z 5943, and described as: "U'u. Club or staff of office with janus human figured head." [Description from object record Z 5943, PB 14/09/2023]

Place

Oceania Polynesia; French Polynesia; Marquesas Islands

Cultural Affliation

Igbo [historically Ibo]

Named Person

Photographer

Jones, Gwilliam Iwan (known as G.I.)

Collector / Expedition

Date

circa 1980 to 1989; 1984

Collection Name

Jones Collection

Source

Format

Colour Transparency

Primary Documentation

Other Information

T.169937.GIJ - T.170148.GIJ were located together in a Agfa transparency box, now numbered C756/.

MAA Exhibition: The object is on display in the Maudslay Gallery, and captioned: 'Highly polished double-faced clubs were used by Marquesan warriors as weapons and as marker of high status. Small human heads form the nose and eyes of the face on each side. The heads and geometric designs, similar to tattoos, served a symbolic protection function, both for the weapon and the warrior." [PB 31/08/2023]