One Papua New Guinea Club and 2 Others

drac2k · 22nd July 2023, 06:20 PM

I 've always liked war clubs, especially the stone headed ones from the S. Pacific. The one shown here is massive; it measures 53" long, the stone head is 8" from point to point, 2 & 3/8" wide and it weighs 11lbs.The warrior who wielded this must have been a "Goliath," or could it have been an execution tool or one for status, much like the Philippine panabas?
The other 2 clubs are supposed to be from the Austral Islands, the longer one,49" being quite heavy, and made of a dense wood, while the other 40" club may be a dance spear or dance club. Any information on the last 2 would be appreciated.

Tim Simmons · 22nd July 2023, 08:58 PM

Very nice. Do you have any real information on the reddish coloured club and lance?

drac2k · 23rd July 2023, 04:15 AM

Thanks Tim. Unfortunately not; that is why I'm hoping someone can recognize these clubs.

Tim Simmons · 23rd July 2023, 08:21 AM

The other pieces do not look PNG to me. They look South American. I think you might find examples of similar forms in the NMAI database. The AMNH database seem to be long term "temporary maintenance "

Tim Simmons · 23rd July 2023, 08:29 AM

Just a quick look and only on the second page of many, this example.

Tim Simmons · 23rd July 2023, 08:56 AM

It is quite possible that the stone club may well be South American too. The haft is atypical of PNG from what I have seem. Also the vegetal binding looks different. You mention the massive nature of the club. The examples of massive stone clubs I have seen were Peruvian. I have these photos from the gold museum Lima, which has wonderful collection of weapons from all times and countries. In remote areas clubs like yours may have been used until modern times.

drac2k · 23rd July 2023, 12:04 PM

Tim, once again you surprise me. Based on your past observations and your enlightening me, I had a sneaking suspicion that the two wooden clubs could be S.American, but you really have thrown me for a loop stating that the stone mace could be Peruvian.

Tim Simmons · 24th July 2023, 06:46 PM

I particularly like this one so is it ever becomes a burden you know where to unload. Very nice trio.

drac2k · 25th July 2023, 05:50 AM

Thanks Tim, you are the one that kind of inspired me to acquire South American War Clubs. Tomorrow I hope to post a massive, what I believe to be a Shipibo Kombo war club (64" long), and I would be interested in your comments.

22nd July 2023, 06:20 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	One Papua New Guinea Club and 2 Others I 've always liked war clubs, especially the stone headed ones from the S. Pacific. The one shown here is massive; it measures 53" long, the stone head is 8" from point to point, 2 & 3/8" wide and it weighs 11lbs.The warrior who wielded this must have been a "Goliath," or could it have been an execution tool or one for status, much like the Philippine panabas? The other 2 clubs are supposed to be from the Austral Islands, the longer one,49" being quite heavy, and made of a dense wood, while the other 40" club may be a dance spear or dance club. Any information on the last 2 would be appreciated. Attached Images

23rd July 2023, 08:29 AM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Just a quick look and only on the second page of many, this example. Attached Images

23rd July 2023, 08:56 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	It is quite possible that the stone club may well be South American too. The haft is atypical of PNG from what I have seem. Also the vegetal binding looks different. You mention the massive nature of the club. The examples of massive stone clubs I have seen were Peruvian. I have these photos from the gold museum Lima, which has wonderful collection of weapons from all times and countries. In remote areas clubs like yours may have been used until modern times. Attached Images

24th July 2023, 06:46 PM	#8
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	I particularly like this one so is it ever becomes a burden you know where to unload. Very nice trio. Attached Images

22nd July 2023, 08:58 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Very nice. Do you have any real information on the reddish coloured club and lance?

23rd July 2023, 04:15 AM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks Tim. Unfortunately not; that is why I'm hoping someone can recognize these clubs.

23rd July 2023, 08:21 AM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	The other pieces do not look PNG to me. They look South American. I think you might find examples of similar forms in the NMAI database. The AMNH database seem to be long term "temporary maintenance "

23rd July 2023, 12:04 PM	#7
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Tim, once again you surprise me. Based on your past observations and your enlightening me, I had a sneaking suspicion that the two wooden clubs could be S.American, but you really have thrown me for a loop stating that the stone mace could be Peruvian.

25th July 2023, 05:50 AM	#9
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks Tim, you are the one that kind of inspired me to acquire South American War Clubs. Tomorrow I hope to post a massive, what I believe to be a Shipibo Kombo war club (64" long), and I would be interested in your comments.