Lance

Museum number: UEM188

Material: Wood

Region and culture: Produced on Fiji, collected in New Zealand 

Description: Wooden spear measured at 3,48 meter in length. Appears to be a throwing-spear (moto) from Fiji, produced sometime between the late 18th century and early 19th century. The entire spear is carved from a single piece of wood and the tip of the spear is characterized by its long and heavy barbs. These types of spears are known as gadregadre, which translates to "lust" or "desire" and were considered to be one of the most important weapons amongst Fijians. Yet, these types of spears were also symbols of authority, masculinity and the approvement of ancestral gods. Spears (and clubs) played an important role in dance performances. It is unclear where in Fiji this spear originates from.