Aboriginal stick/club
 

Another item picked up for the price of a few portions of fish and chips. Nice old rich looking patina. Wonder what they used these for? The wood is quite dense and heavy but it does not strike me ;) as a club? Maybe be a hunting stick? 26-28 inches long.

Hello,
I think it is a club. I have a very similar one.
sajen

Hi

Its a waddy (club) from the western desert of Australia. The grooving and ochre finish are typical. Looks a nice piece.

Congrats.

Here is my example, not so nice like yours but I think it's from the same region.
sajen

Sajen

Yours is a nice example. Colin thanks for the info.

Lew

Lew,
thank you. So we have both nice ones.
sajen

What facinates me is how similar waddy sticks are compared to Dinka war clubs even though the two are separated by thousands of miles.

Nice stick Lew. I did mention in the past of caution paying too much for what may be an African club, however the heat seems to have gone out of the Australian stuff lately and some african clubs seem to be getting higher prices.

I have this type. It is quite heavy so could well be a weapon. I have had concerns as to wether it is genuine. A piece of wood could very easily be buffed on a polishing motor. After examination under the microscope of our micro welding machine I am happy now.

Got this little beauty over the weekend. 653g, 73cm long. Hard to show but it has a lovely subtle carved chevron surface to one side and plain on the other. I am most attracted to the way that the scoring to the handle graduates. Simple, subtle, even sophistcated. :cool:

Good find Tim :). Seems I should spend some time in the UK and go on these treasure hunts with you ;).