Da U’u Warclub

Designed & Sculpted by Motu Mikey
Inspired by the Marquesan U’u
Initial Release: January 31st, 2022
Edition of 150
Medium: Cone 6 Stoneware

Inspiration

The Marquesas hold many secrets. Not much is known about their indigenous people, the Henata, except for what was documented and observed by the first European explorers that arrived in the late 1700's. These outsiders inevitably changed the islander's culture forever. Few foreigners stayed and lived with the Henata, and even fewer truly understood their social & spiritual customs (known as 'tapu') . However, their art spoke for itself. One of the most striking and unique pieces of oceanic art is the U'u War Club. These clubs were the weapons of the 'Toa', the Henata warriors. Each U'u was cut to its owner's height. They were carved from pacific ironwood (also called 'Toa') and buried in the muddy taro fields for weeks. Coconut oil was used to polish the clubs smooth which gave the weapon a beautiful finish. However, they were not ceremonial, nor ornamental. They were used to kill. The practice of 'heana' demanded human sacrifices from neighboring valleys. The Toa's hostages were brought to their tribes where cannibalistic feasts would take place. U'u translates to 'head', and some clubs feature up to 15 different faces and heads, as well as lizards and patterns used in tattooing. The head was very 'tapu' in Henata culture and full of meaning.

For more info on the indigenous Marquesan people:

'Islands & Beaches' by Greg Dening.

For more on the U'u and Marquesan Art: ‘Les Marquisiens Et Leur Art' by Karl Von Den Steinen

Proceeds from each purchase help support real wood carvers in the Marquesas.

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