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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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