African (Kenyan ? Masai?) Throwing Club

katana · 9th March 2011, 08:32 PM

I wondered whether anyone had any ideas on this throwing club. The root ball end is conically shaped and the finial pointed. Evidence that these were carved. Seems to have some age ...mid 20th perhaps a little earlier/later ? The wood is extremely hard and the elongated 'S' shaped shaft seems to aid balance (when held in the hand ready to throw) ie with the head of the club closest to the body and the bend in the shaft pointing backwards. It is so noticeable I can only assume that this is a deliberate design. Perhaps the living branch is 'trained' artifically to assume this kink ?
The wood is dense and hard with a tight grain ....but do not know the species.

I'm assuming this club is African ....but not certain, OAL 23 inches / 58 cms

All comments gratefully received, thank you

Regards David.

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Freddy · 9th March 2011, 08:59 PM

Yes, this is an African club. As you guessed probably from Kenya or Tansania. These are called 'RUNGU'. They are used by the Masai and adjacent tribes.

I don't think these clubs were used to throw. But...at wish, one can throw any club.

The shape of your club is peculiar. I guess they just dug out a root and followed its shape when making this piece. Perhaps the maker/owner liked this form.

Normally the head of a rungu is bent. In your case it has an S-shaped form.

I have a straight one in my collection. Length : 59 cm. Look at the pics

katana · 9th March 2011, 11:26 PM

Hi Freddie,
thank you for the your reply

. I had always thought that Runga were throwing clubs, hence the reason why they have a shorter handle ?

Kind Regards David

9th March 2011, 08:32 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	African (Kenyan ? Masai?) Throwing Club I wondered whether anyone had any ideas on this throwing club. The root ball end is conically shaped and the finial pointed. Evidence that these were carved. Seems to have some age ...mid 20th perhaps a little earlier/later ? The wood is extremely hard and the elongated 'S' shaped shaft seems to aid balance (when held in the hand ready to throw) ie with the head of the club closest to the body and the bend in the shaft pointing backwards. It is so noticeable I can only assume that this is a deliberate design. Perhaps the living branch is 'trained' artifically to assume this kink ? The wood is dense and hard with a tight grain ....but do not know the species. I'm assuming this club is African ....but not certain, OAL 23 inches / 58 cms All comments gratefully received, thank you Regards David. . Attached Images

9th March 2011, 08:59 PM	#2
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Yes, this is an African club. As you guessed probably from Kenya or Tansania. These are called 'RUNGU'. They are used by the Masai and adjacent tribes. I don't think these clubs were used to throw. But...at wish, one can throw any club. The shape of your club is peculiar. I guess they just dug out a root and followed its shape when making this piece. Perhaps the maker/owner liked this form. Normally the head of a rungu is bent. In your case it has an S-shaped form. I have a straight one in my collection. Length : 59 cm. Look at the pics

9th March 2011, 11:26 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Freddie, thank you for the your reply . I had always thought that Runga were throwing clubs, hence the reason why they have a shorter handle ? Kind Regards David