Solomon Islands Roromaraugi Parrying Club-Melanesian Art-Oceanic Art
The Roromaraugi parrying clubs from San Cristobal Island at the far eastern end of the Solomon Islands are some of the most elegant clubs in Oceania. The graceful, curved sickle-shaped top is meant to catch and deflect an enemy’s weapon. I have owned a number of these over the years and the two factors I look for is first, the beauty of that top curved portion and then, most importantly, the quality of the seated figure perched just near the bottom of the tapered shaft. On this example the curved portion is indeed very fine but by God look at the spirit figure, it is magnificent with a classic curved face, long tail of bound hair down the back, flexed arms, and a beautiful, pierced nose. I have not seen a better figure on one of these clubs. The piece comes from the Seymour Lazar Collection, dates to the 19th century, is 50” (127 cm) in height.