Extraordinary Tongan Warrior's Wrist Band

Second half of the 19th century. 1 5/8" width made of dyed split cane, in 19 ranks with yellow and tan diamonds. Each splint just over 1/64" wide and woven into a seam free circle. The outer ranks blind finished in the round. Like the Chinese blind stitch this feat of weaving defies comprehension as the physical scale seems much too small for human finger execution. Evidently collected as new and in virtually perfect preservation. Decorative and identifying the warrior, they also prevented sweat from reaching the hands and compromising the grip on the war club. Museum quality Polynesian art.