Fijian Sali Clubs
Sali clubs: A Fijian Weapon
The Fijian sali, also known as cali or tebetebe, is a distinctive type of traditional club, named after the clawed sal flower of wild banana-like plants (Musa species) that grow in the Fijian bush. According to the Fiji Museum catalogues, the design of these clubs is inspired by the flower’s shape, with the weapon’s broader cheeks and highly developed crest or spur setting it apart from other similar Fijian clubs, known as gata.
Design Features of the Sali Club
The sali club is easily identifiable by its longer, broader cheeks and the prominent spur at the head. These features give the club a unique appearance compared to the more traditional, bladed clubs like the gata. The wider cheeks of the sali are designed to cut through sap and bone with precision, rather than relying on a blunt force trauma.
The spur on the club has led to some speculation that it may have been used in the same way as a totokia or spike battle hammer, penetrating the skull during close combat. However, Fijian scholar Fergus Clunie was unable to substantiate this claim or the theory that the spur was used to pin down victims during combat. Despite these theories, it seems unlikely that Fijian warriors used the cali club in such a way.
The club’s convex striking edge is sharp and sometimes serrated, designed for cutting, rather than the concave, blunt edge used on other clubs. This cutting-edge feature makes the sali an ideal weapon for slicing through opponents in close combat.
Role of the Sali in Fijian Warfare and Ceremonial Use
While the sali club was primarily used for combat, it also held a place in Fijian ceremonial life. Similar to the gata, the sali’s role in battle was centered around its ability to cut, with the spurred head potentially used for parrying an adversary’s club blow. However, it is important to note that sali clubs were not necessarily designed for the same type of combat as more bludgeoning-type clubs, like the bowia.
In addition to its martial function, the cali club was also a significant part of Fijian dance. Often used during ceremonial dances, the sali was held by its spur during traditional club dances. Many lighter versions of the sali were specifically crafted for these performances, showcasing the weapon’s dual role as both a functional item and a symbol of prestige.
A noteworthy feature of some sali clubs is the coir-sinnet handle wrapping, which sometimes includes small shell discs, a decorative touch reminiscent of Melanesian shell currency. This further emphasizes it was often considered a symbol of rank and authority.
Variations in club Design
Sali clubs come in a variety of sizes, generally ranging from 90cm to 125cm in length. Crafted from dense hardwood often ironwood, the clubs are made by bending the wood while it is still a sapling, allowing it to grow into its distinctive shape. The shaft of the cali often flares out at the bottom to prevent it from slipping out of the user’s hand, particularly in wet conditions. Unlike many other Fijian clubs, the sali typically does not feature the hound’s tooth carvings that are common on other weapons. The head of the club is often carved with a hatch pattern on the larger half with the side with the spur left uncharted
The sali is generally used by higher-ranking individuals due to its ceremonial and symbolic importance. It is designed more for cutting than for bludgeoning, making it less practical for direct combat compared to clubs like the gata.
The Value of a Sali Club
The value of a sali club can range from approximately $2,000 USD to $10,000 USD, depending on various factors. Collectors typically value larger clubs with broader heads, as well as those with intricate carvings and pierced details. The overall form and craftsmanship of the club are also important considerations when determining its worth.
Conclusion
The sali, cali, or tebetebe is a fascinating and highly collectable weapon from the Fijian culture. Known for its unique design, the sali combines form with function, serving both as a weapon and as a symbol of prestige and authority. The sali club has a simple but beautiful formant is much appreciated by collectors and cultural historians alike.
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