While packing for my trip to Florida today, Donny brought this in to the bedroom to show me what he had been given by his Infantry squad in Hawaii before he left last June. It's a Polynesian War Club known as an Ulumanu (which means bird or hook). It's 18 1/2" long and 6" at the widest part of the hook. This is what's engraved on the attached piece of wood:
SGT. D. Mathie
For outstanding service and leadership
TEAM X-RAY
1st SQD, 3rd PLT, Cco 1/27 IN
It also came with a little piece of paper that says:
"One of the most effective war clubs found in all of Polynesia. The hook was used to trap arms and legs. The sharp point was used to strike and tear at the temple, stomach or chest. The back of the hook was used to crack at the opponent's skull or to break any bones in the body.
The designs carved on the ulumanu are traditional Polynesian motifs found on tapa and body tattoo."
Pretty gruesome those Polynesian warriors were, I'd say! Pretty cool gift from his squad I'd say too!
