Unknown Club

[Sajen]

The patination looks good so I doubt that it's a tourist piece.

[RAMBA]

I think it is South American

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21882

[Tim Simmons]

I have clubs from the Solomons and South America that have elements to the form of this example. So bit of a tough one. Also one might have to consider the New Hebrides which I now think may be origin.

[RobT]

Hi All,

Thanks for the input. I agree with Tim Simmons’ comment about the club having elements found on both Solomon Island and South American clubs. The problem is that, considered in its entirety, the club doesn’t conform to anything traditional that I have seen from the pacific, Australia, or South America (or North America for that matter). I also agree with Sajen that the degree of patina argues against the piece being a tourist item and would add that the use of such hard wood plus the careful smoothing of the grip (as contrasted with the tool marked blade) also indicates that the club was intended for use. Given the lack of ornamentation, it is possible that the club was made during WW II for someone who was unwilling to risk a traditionally made family heirloom in battle but needed a weapon in a hurry and so would accept a relatively crudely worked item without any socio-cultural decoration. It is also possible however, that this isn’t a battle weapon at all but rather something like a large fish club or a seal club. That would explain the lack of ornament, rough fashioning, and why the shape doesn’t conform to any of the various war clubs.

Sincerely,
RobT

[kronckew]

Looks like a roughly finished (in a hurry?) malaita, typical wings on the far end.


Mine: