CARVING VARIATIONS ON OCEANIC CLUBS

[Tim Simmons]

Good idea Barry. Do you think it is possible without good access to well documented collections to tell the difference in zigzag and linear patterns, from the Islands of present day Fiji, Samoa and Tonga? I have read that Tongan artists were in demand on Fiji and Samoa? I would very much like to see the patterned material you and other members have.

In the mean time I think these pictures are interesting with one of my clubs. A what's it called doodaa? head club from new Caledonia. Clearly in this case it is obvious that some patterns do travel.

That chap in the picture looks as if he is really enjoying smoking his pipe. I could see it as rather sad that I and many other have and do feel a nasty pressure to no longer enjoy tobacco. Enough to make you start again. Nooooo!

Picture from --- The traditional pottery of Papua New Guinea, Patricia May, Margaret Tuckson, Hawai university press.