Weapons

At the present time, the comparative study of weapons can best be made in Museums whither most of them have gone. One feature however, may be remarked on here. Samoan clubs are marked by a variety of forms but they are all short, rarely exceeding four feet in length. They are mostly made for striking with one end whilst the proximal end is flared and blunt. The characteristic weapons of the Society and Cook islands are marked by their greater length. While the distal ends are pointed for thrusting, they are also expanded into cutting blades which are variously treated. They are much lighter and more delicately made than the corresponding parts of the Samoan clubs. Another most important feature is that the proximal ends may be pointed and are thus capable of being used to deliver a back handed thrust. The principle of the double ended offensive weapon shows a marked advance in military science and is found still better utilized in the shorter weapons of New Zealand. Curiously enough, the principle is not recorded from the other parts of the eastern area. The difference between the Samoan and the Society Islands clubs is thus not only in form but in the whole question of attack and defense.