Totokia

Totokia were intended to « peck » holes in a victim’s skull. They acquired their basic shape from a sapling that was tied and forced to grow at an angle. Often mistakenly called « pineapple » clubs, they are carved to represent the fruit of the pandanus tree.’

Greatly enlarged versions of war clubs too massive to be used in combat were carried by chiefs during rituals. It is believed that at a man’s death the spirit of his club accompanied his soul on the journey to the afterworld to protect him form the dangers that lay along the way.