Historical information

These items were in the Ballarat School of Mines Museum, and when the museum was closed they were saved from the tip, and returned decades later.

The Alafolo or afui are anthropomorphic clubs found across the island of Malaita. As war clubs, blows were struck with the edges of the club, which varied in length from under three to four feet. At least some of these clubs served a largely ceremonial function, particularly those rare examples with shell inlay.

Malaitans war clubs are usually made of tooa, a reddish hardwood. Most finished clubs are submerged in mud (saltwater or fresh) for about a month, during which time they acquire a glossy black finish.

Physical description

Two native weapons, probably South Pacific in origin.

.1) light coloured timber paddle with carving. Possibly Solomon Islands.

.2) A dark coloured Alafolo made with heavy ironwood, with geometric designs from the Solomon Islands with stylized face, carved geometric design at top end; two carved rings with geometric design between them toward bottom end.