Zulu wire wrapped Knobkerrie

[katana]

Recently acquired this knobkerrie, some losses to the wire-work ....you can see on the head 'spiral' colouration, presumedly two differing metal wires were used (iron and copper ??) . Facinating how precise and intricate the wire is laid. Definately has age ....is there any clues to age with regards the patterning/wire used ? Were these used in combat or were they a 'staff of office' . I wonder whether this type was some form of signal/command baton during battle, presumedly owned by a higher rank and easily noticed due to the 'bright' wire decoration

All comments greatfully received, thank you

Kind Regards
David

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[Battara]

Looks nice, is this a status piece?

[katana]

Originally Posted by Battara

Looks nice, is this a status piece?

I am not certain, I am assuming that due to the skilled work involved, and that, there are far fewer examples of this type, that it is a 'badge' of rank. The Zulu's were well organised and had a 'chain of command', especially during Shaka's reign so it seems likely that other than shield colour, other items such as knobkerries would signify rank.

All the best
David

[Battara]

Thank you, makes sense.

[Nathaniel]

Wow, Fantastic wire work! Thanks for sharing David! Congrats!

[katana]

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

Wow, Fantastic wire work! Thanks for sharing David! Congrats!

Thanks Nathaniel ,

just to show the craftsmanship and skill of the wire work ....a magnified picture , top scale of rule inches, lower...cms . The wire is around 0.2 mm diameter.

Best David

[colin henshaw]

Hi David

Nice piece. Knobkerries and wire plaiting were used by many different tribal groups throughout southern Africa. I have a feeling yours could in fact be Shona (Zimbabwe), who seemed particularly fond of a lot of brass wirework. They employed this technique on many types of objects - axes, spears, clubs, daggers, flywhisks etc even whistles...

I'm not sure if such wirework signified status particularly, maybe just wealth as brass wire was a luxury commodity. Copper and iron wire was also used.

However, I have read that in the 19th century Zulu kings would award brass necklaces and gauntlets to favoured individuals.

Two good reference books are - "The Traditional African Art of Zimbabwe" by H Ellert and "Zulu Treasures" by KwaZulu Cultural Museum.

Regards

[katana]

Hi Colin,
thanks for your informative post . Nearly every knobkerrie, spear and axe with the same wirework seems to be labelled 'Zulu' ....making ID'ing this difficult.
Shaka introduced the Tribute System...

"The Tribute System

He force other tribes to pay him tributes in exchange for protection. The tributes were gifts. They included cattle, furs, feathers, and carved wooden sculptures. He took control of all the precious metals. At this time they were copper and brass. The metal was used to make wooden clubs stronger. It was also used for ornaments, like neck rings and armbands. The more of these you had, the greater your importance in the tribe......."

This could suggest that some of the neighbouring tribes may have presented wire wrapped weapons as tribute payment. Interesting that the 'precious metals' for the Zulu were brass and copper (no mention of bronze ? ) I also hadn't considered the improvement in the strength of the knobkerrie with the wire covering, functional and a sign of status at the same time.

Kind Regards David

[thinreadline]

Here is another example of a heavily wire decorated weapon from the same part of the world, in this case a spear .