i Ula Tavatava (Throwing club)

i Ula Tavatava. Throwing club. i Ula are carved from the rootstock of a hardwood tree. It is intended as a weapon that can be gripped in the hand or thrown in short range distances at assailants. This i Ula Tavatava consists of a lobed head and long slender adjoining handle. The head is carved into eleven concentric lobed topped with a flanged central dome. A large crack is visible between two lobes, and on the central dome. Fine cracks and surface wear appear on the head also. The handle is cylindrical in shape and flares slightly towards the butt. A large faded sticker is adhered to the upper area of the handle. The letters 'R A T U N A' are incised onto the wood at this area also. The lower grip end of the handle is carved with tavatava (shallow incisions), zigzag in design. The butt is slightly convex with a drilled hole to one side edge for suspension. The i Ula is brown in colour and has some patina.