Knobkerrie or throwing club?
 

Last Thursday was very good for me, as well as the parang, I also came across this club and a spear, which I shall also show. The OA length is 54cm with a massive head of 34.4cm diameter. I am sure it is not Zulu but it could be from South or Southern Africa. It could also be a throwing club originating from a far greater expanse of South to East Africa. It is carved from a much lighter wieght wood than the usual knobkerrie and being not much longer than a forearm with an out stretched hand, could be thrown with the hand working as another elbow making all elements of the throw balanced. I know Freddy is keen on clubs. Any thoughts? Tim

That could be a maasai rungu as that is one shape style they follow, it also seems to be the same wood tone(olive branch) as the rungu.

That's a big one.

I doubt however if this is really a throwing stick. A huge ball wouldn't 'fly' very far when thrown. It could be some kind of ceremonial piece, or...perhaps just a knobkerrie for a very big and strong man.

Is it made from one piece of wood ?
I have a club in my collection which has a hardwood ball and a very flexible handle. The seller told me that the handle was expendable. When it was broken, the owner just cut a new one. The head of the club, however, was used again.
It's from the Agoni-tribe in Swaziland and it is called 'chibonga'.
Total length : 67,5 cm

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...elding1649.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...elding1651.jpg

The second picture cleary shows that the handle is a separate piece of wood.

It's not easy to find examples of African throwing sticks in a book. Most books on African weapons only deal with iron weapons.
Nevertheless, here's one :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...numan/0047.jpg

I have one stick in my collection which also could be a throwing club. I found this one in a shop in Brussels, filled with African goodies :p
I don't know anything about it. I showed it to a German friend and he also said in was used for throwing.
Length : 78,5 cm

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...elding1652.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...elding1653.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...elding1654.jpg

Your club could also originate from the South Sea, for example Fiji. They also have throwing clubs.

So you see....perhaps more questions than answers :D

Thanks Freddy, It is carved from one piece and as you can see there was a worm? living in the wood before the club was made. I do not think it is from the south seas but I could live in hope. I had one of those 'chibonga' but gave it away in a swap, which was a bit silly but you live and learn :) . Tim