COMBAT MASS called Gata

Fiji Islands, Melanesia

nineteenth century

Hardwood with shiny patina

Long. : 90 cm

(traces of use)

Identifiable by its so-called "gun butt" shape, this monoxyl wooden puzzle has a cylindrical handle ending in a bumpy outgrowth and a characteristic head reminiscent of the wide open jaw of a Pacific boa. Indeed, the term gata means “snake” in Fijian.

The distal part is finely incised on the two sides of hexagonal pellets organized in three cartridges separated by pairs of bands animated with sawtooth friezes.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref. : 4558