Apa-apai (’enforcer of respect’)
The square-ended club (apa’apai - ‘enforcer of respect’) was carved from toa wood (Casuarina equisetifolia). Its appearance mimicked the shape of the coconut leaf stem. However, its form symbolises a chief’s legitimate authority and power, hence its name. These high-status clubs were gifted and traded with the commanding officers of European ships. This apa’apai was acquired by Captain Cook on his second or third voyage, later donated by Henry Vaughan to the Museum in 1868.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- E1206
- Category
- Ethnography
- Collection Class
- Arms and armour
- Collection Area Region
- POLYN
- Material
- wood (casuarina)
- Common Name
- apa-apai (’enforcer of respect’)
- Simple Name
- club
- Production Country
- Tonga
- Production Year Low
- 1769
- Production Year High
- 1777
