Linden-Museum Stuttgart collection record for Ua, Stuttgart — 4567

Classification: Staff

Name: ua

Catalogue number: 004567

Reported holder: Linden-Museum Stuttgart

Made during: Mitte 19. Jh.

Material: Obsidian, Wood; carved

Description: length: 126 cm; width: 7 cm; depth: 5 cm

Description: Text: Ulrich Menter. The object was inventoried in 1899 as part of a collection of 34 ‘Ethnographica of Fiji’. The objects were a gift from Carlos Majer (1826-?), who lived in Valparaiso (Chile) from 1852 (1854?) until about 1874, before returning to Germany. Majer did not travel to Fiji or Rapa Nui himself, but acquired the objects from sailors in the port of Valparaiso. The provenance preceding the sale is unknown.

Description: Ua were described in the past as clubs, among other things, but even if a use as a weapon was not ruled out, it was primarily a insignia of high rank. At the upper end of the staff is a carved double face, the eyes of which were made of obsidian. The staff has numerous historical repairs by wood inlays. (Text: Ulrich Menter)