19TH century. 15 ½” length, of characteristic form with fine large mushroom form head. Fine patina with lineal shrinkage cracks as typical as these were made of unseasoned wood. The butt set with a nonferrous tack, probably brass. Early 19th century. Wonderful age color with signs of use. The ula was carried at all times by warriors and instrumental in satisfying the need for human flesh for the table. Generally found with some hound’s tooth carving to the grip, it is generally accepted by scholars that the absence as here, indicated the club of a warrior killed early in his career, before he could apply himself to its decoration. Fine example.
