amazulu/xhosa iwisa (knobkerrie) have longer hafts and do not have a drilled hole for a lanyard. the shape of the head can vary, and even be carved. other more northern non-shona tribes used ball headed clubs like yours, but i'm not that familiar with the tribal distinction. also, many conquered tribes supplied knobkerry to the zula as tribute. in other words, it's a mess. heck, even south pacific islanders used clubs with ball heads, and carvings as you mention. i have an ethiopean faceted head club with similar tho simpler patterns.
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