Nice East African club,

katana · 26th October 2007, 06:42 PM

Interestingly I have been researching Shilluk clubs ((because of this thread)whom were in constant conflict with the Dinka, their short shafts tend to be pointed. I would expect that this feature was shared with the Dinka and neighbouring tribes
However Spring mentions that the point was to accommodate a socketted iron spike (like a spear butt)to use as a stabbing weapon and also allows the shaft to be pushed into the ground so as to use the club as stool (shooting stick)

Many short handled clubs tend to have a slightly flared butt, even those with a tapering shaft. I have also noticed nearly ALL (that I have seen) short clubs made from Rhino horn have pointed shafts....I can only assume that this is because...
1. the hardness of the material makes the point ideal for stabbing
2. The inherent 'grip' qualities of Rhino may not need a flared butt to aid the grip of the user

David

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26th October 2007, 06:42 PM	#23
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Interestingly I have been researching Shilluk clubs ((because of this thread)whom were in constant conflict with the Dinka, their short shafts tend to be pointed. I would expect that this feature was shared with the Dinka and neighbouring tribes However Spring mentions that the point was to accommodate a socketted iron spike (like a spear butt)to use as a stabbing weapon and also allows the shaft to be pushed into the ground so as to use the club as stool (shooting stick) Many short handled clubs tend to have a slightly flared butt, even those with a tapering shaft. I have also noticed nearly ALL (that I have seen) short clubs made from Rhino horn have pointed shafts....I can only assume that this is because... 1. the hardness of the material makes the point ideal for stabbing 2. The inherent 'grip' qualities of Rhino may not need a flared butt to aid the grip of the user David