Tongan clubs have been used throughout pre and post-contact times. Prior to the introduction of iron materials by Captain Cook and other sailors, sharks tooth, bone, and stone were used to etch designs onto the clubs. However, after the introduction of iron materials such as nails, club designs became very elaborate and decorative through the ease of these tools. There are various types of clubs found throughout Tonga. These clubs were used for warfare and traditional dance as in the Me'etu'upaki. There are several categories of Tongan warclubs:

1) Kolo - The short throwing club

2) Povai - The pole club which can be compared to a baseball bat in shape with the same flared rounded head

3) There is also a variation of the povai with a flattened top to the clubhead

4) Apa'apai - The club with a diamond-sectioned flat-topped head sometimes referred to as a coconut-stalk club, although it is the actual coconut leaf midrib which is meant




5)There is also a type of apa'apai that is similar but with a head that is more spatulate and rounded at the upper end like a paddle club

6) Moungalaulau - The paddle club with its rounded upper end was often distinguished by finely carved decoration over its entire surface and was sometimes found with and without a transverse ridged collar or cross rib.