19th Century New Caledonia Bird Head Club

A very uncommon bird head tribal club from the Kanak people of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. The distinctively shaped porowa ra maru, or 'bird head' clubs of New Caledonia were prestigious objects created for use by chiefs. The finely carved hardwood clubs symbolized wealth and high rank.The club dates from the mid 1800's and measures 73 cm long and the head 23 cm long.Superb display piece.