Vanuatu Pig Killing Club with Serrated Protuberances

A Vanuatu pig killing club, carved from hardwood, of shouldered…
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A Vanuatu pig killing club, carved from hardwood, of shouldered hammer form with serrated protuberances at the intersection between the shaft and the striker, representing the pig's jaw. Tapering shaft terminating into a pommel with round butt. Intense dark patina. In Vanuatu, pigs were a symbol of wealth and prestige. They were raised and taken care of for many years, with the most valuable developing the longest tusks. To achieve these long spiral tusks, the upper teeth were removed and they would be fed only with liquid or pureed food. Once the teeth grew to the desired size - after many years of investment, the pig was killed and the teeth were used as currency or pieces of jewellery exhibiting prestige, length 45 cm, width 17.5 cm

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  • Patination / Patina - In broad terms, patination refers to the exterior surface appearance of the timber, the effect of fading caused by exposure to sunlight and air over the course of a century or more, changing the piece to a soft, mellow colour.

    As patina is very difficult to replicate, it is one of the most important guides to determining the age of furniture.

    Patina is also the term applied to the bloom or film found on old bronzes due to oxidisation.

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