Knobkerrie unlike any other? or something else

fireiceviper · 19th September 2015, 09:26 PM

I acquired this when purchasing a couple of other items, all they knew is that it came from the grandfather who went to afrika a couple of times but to where and why the could not recall.

The shape looks typical of a knobkerrie, the carvings however i have never seen

, it really looks aged and i believe it is.

The patterns on the head have similarities with Tongan clubs but i think thats pure chance.

Anyone have a tribe or a region? or something similar?

kronckew · 19th September 2015, 09:50 PM

amazulu/xhosa iwisa (knobkerrie) have longer hafts and do not have a drilled hole for a lanyard. the shape of the head can vary, and even be carved. other more northern non-shona tribes used ball headed clubs like yours, but i'm not that familiar with the tribal distinction. also, many conquered tribes supplied knobkerry to the zula as tribute. in other words, it's a mess. heck, even south pacific islanders used clubs with ball heads, and carvings as you mention. i have an ethiopean faceted head club with similar tho simpler patterns.

Tim Simmons · 19th September 2015, 10:32 PM

It is Chokwe.

fireiceviper · 19th September 2015, 11:06 PM

Do you have any comparable images of Chokwe clubs? I cannot seem to find chokwe clubs like this... although They are sometimes similarly carved with brass buttons on them, but a completely different shape.

Thanks for your help Though!

Tim Simmons · 13th October 2015, 08:36 AM

On a well known auction site there is a round Chokwe club similar but with a projection. Shows the origin. I have kept a picture to post latter.

kronckew · 13th October 2015, 09:34 AM

chokwe is a town/district in so. mozambique, the people there are bantu as are the zulu who were just to the south.

it may also refer to a tribal group in angola.

which?

19th September 2015, 09:26 PM	#1
fireiceviper Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 87	Knobkerrie unlike any other? or something else I acquired this when purchasing a couple of other items, all they knew is that it came from the grandfather who went to afrika a couple of times but to where and why the could not recall. The shape looks typical of a knobkerrie, the carvings however i have never seen , it really looks aged and i believe it is. The patterns on the head have similarities with Tongan clubs but i think thats pure chance. Anyone have a tribe or a region? or something similar? Attached Images

19th September 2015, 09:50 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	amazulu/xhosa iwisa (knobkerrie) have longer hafts and do not have a drilled hole for a lanyard. the shape of the head can vary, and even be carved. other more northern non-shona tribes used ball headed clubs like yours, but i'm not that familiar with the tribal distinction. also, many conquered tribes supplied knobkerry to the zula as tribute. in other words, it's a mess. heck, even south pacific islanders used clubs with ball heads, and carvings as you mention. i have an ethiopean faceted head club with similar tho simpler patterns.

19th September 2015, 10:32 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	It is Chokwe.

19th September 2015, 11:06 PM	#4
fireiceviper Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 87	Do you have any comparable images of Chokwe clubs? I cannot seem to find chokwe clubs like this... although They are sometimes similarly carved with brass buttons on them, but a completely different shape. Thanks for your help Though!

13th October 2015, 08:36 AM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	On a well known auction site there is a round Chokwe club similar but with a projection. Shows the origin. I have kept a picture to post latter.

13th October 2015, 09:34 AM	#6
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	chokwe is a town/district in so. mozambique, the people there are bantu as are the zulu who were just to the south. it may also refer to a tribal group in angola. which?