Identify Club Help
 

Hello all, I have an interesting club / knobkerrie that I recently bought. It’s a bit unusual compared to my Zulu examples. It has definitely got some age to it and measures 55 cm long and has a large 5” diameter head. The wood for the shaft appears to be different from the head.

Is it African?of Fijian maybe?

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

Many thanks

Al

Bit short for Zulu, haven't seen a two part Iwisa yet. Could be a So. pacific throwing club (Ula).


My large head Iwisa below (mine) , along with an Ula with a similar head to yours, but made from one piece of wood. (not mine)

This looks more like a lead working mallet.

Possible, even probable. :D Won't be the first time dealers/museums mislabeled stuff.

Spherical or oblate spheroid mallets were used in carpentry, stone masonry, and even leather working. Many were two part,ie. lignum vitae heads and oak or ash hafts. Many had a lanyard hole in the end that ula/iwisa didn't have.

A saddle/harness maker's lgnum mallet with an oak haft:

Thank you for your opinions.

I think it is safe to say that every member here has been there done that in some way. It is part of collecting and learning.