Identify Club Help

newola · 15th May 2022, 08:02 AM

Hello all, I have an interesting club / knobkerrie that I recently bought. It’s a bit unusual compared to my Zulu examples. It has definitely got some age to it and measures 55 cm long and has a large 5” diameter head. The wood for the shaft appears to be different from the head.

Is it African?of Fijian maybe?

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

Many thanks

Al

kronckew · 20th May 2022, 10:00 PM

Bit short for Zulu, haven't seen a two part Iwisa yet. Could be a So. pacific throwing club (Ula).

My large head Iwisa below (mine) , along with an Ula with a similar head to yours, but made from one piece of wood. (not mine)

Tim Simmons · 21st May 2022, 09:32 AM

This looks more like a lead working mallet.

kronckew · 21st May 2022, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

This looks more like a lead working mallet.

Possible, even probable.

Won't be the first time dealers/museums mislabeled stuff.

Spherical or oblate spheroid mallets were used in carpentry, stone masonry, and even leather working. Many were two part,ie. lignum vitae heads and oak or ash hafts. Many had a lanyard hole in the end that ula/iwisa didn't have.

A saddle/harness maker's lgnum mallet with an oak haft:

newola · 21st May 2022, 11:08 PM

Thank you for your opinions.

Tim Simmons · 23rd May 2022, 08:15 AM

I think it is safe to say that every member here has been there done that in some way. It is part of collecting and learning.

15th May 2022, 08:02 AM	#1
newola Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Cornwall, England Posts: 9	Identify Club Help Hello all, I have an interesting club / knobkerrie that I recently bought. It’s a bit unusual compared to my Zulu examples. It has definitely got some age to it and measures 55 cm long and has a large 5” diameter head. The wood for the shaft appears to be different from the head. Is it African?of Fijian maybe? Thoughts and opinions appreciated. Many thanks Al Attached Images

20th May 2022, 10:00 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	Bit short for Zulu, haven't seen a two part Iwisa yet. Could be a So. pacific throwing club (Ula). My large head Iwisa below (mine) , along with an Ula with a similar head to yours, but made from one piece of wood. (not mine) Attached Images

21st May 2022, 09:32 AM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	This looks more like a lead working mallet.

21st May 2022, 11:08 PM	#5
newola Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Cornwall, England Posts: 9	Thank you for your opinions.

23rd May 2022, 08:15 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	I think it is safe to say that every member here has been there done that in some way. It is part of collecting and learning.