Rungu?

RobT · 4th May 2022, 01:56 AM

Hi Al,

I have a few clubs but I am far from knowledgeable about them, so take what I have to say with some salt. AFAIK, rungu come in two flavors. The type with the offset head is the one more commonly encountered while the straight version is less frequently seen. I have submitted a picture of a straight one in my collection. I have seen a few others like it but I have never seen one with a carved shaft like yours. That doesn't mean that they don't exist as a traditional form or that yours is a tourist version. Yours could be an even more rare variant. Consider also that clubs are very commonly carried by many African groups and groups other than the Maasai use clubs similar to those carried by the Maasai. Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable than myself will soon comment.

Sincerely,
RobT

4th May 2022, 01:56 AM	#2
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 534	Two Rungu Types Hi Al, I have a few clubs but I am far from knowledgeable about them, so take what I have to say with some salt. AFAIK, rungu come in two flavors. The type with the offset head is the one more commonly encountered while the straight version is less frequently seen. I have submitted a picture of a straight one in my collection. I have seen a few others like it but I have never seen one with a carved shaft like yours. That doesn't mean that they don't exist as a traditional form or that yours is a tourist version. Yours could be an even more rare variant. Consider also that clubs are very commonly carried by many African groups and groups other than the Maasai use clubs similar to those carried by the Maasai. Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable than myself will soon comment. Sincerely, RobT Attached Images