Horn Blackjack

[kino]

That is what the seller told me it was. He got it from an estate sale of a person that collected blackjack's and sap gloves.

Made of horn rings, the smaller end is wrapped in thread. Kinda looks like the same construction as a Nias necklace/ring. Length 14 inches.

[Tim Simmons]

I have this one 15" long. Made from a bulls penis, felt, and a stone or ball of lead. I imagine these are from African cattle herders especially with that bit of leather at the handle. Yours is made with cow horn, you can see that by the way the horn has delaminated over time at the thick end. Do the Nias keep cattle?

[kino]

Tim, Interesting piece. Wouldn't want to get hit by that.
I don't kno if Nias residents were cattle herders.

[ausjulius]

from what i understand these many of weapons originate from european sailors.. and were carried as weapons by many of the proably in areas where seamen were restricted by local law from entering a town or city armed..