Guianan Macana Club for comment.

[Atlantia]

Excuse the pictures they seem to make it 'glow' with colour. It's actually much more subdued and the bindings are somewhat browned with age. Lots of indications of age, dryness of the wood, patina, small age splits etc.

Weight: 735g. Length: 36cm. Bound with hand spun plant fibres (raw cotton I'd guess!)
From a reputable source who acquired it directly from an old Dutch collection.
Original collector described it as:
"British Guyana, Indian war club (Macana) C.1900."
I'd be interested to know if the date is possible to verify?
I know these don't show up too often, so I thought you might like to see it.

[Atlantia]

A couple of other examples (pictures) I managed to find (not mine).

[Tim Simmons]

:cool: I need one of those. Yes that is cotton. Amazon clubs have either cotton, sisel or palm fiber {raphia}

[Tim Simmons]

This site is really helpful.

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1013&context=anthrotheses&sei-redir=1#search=%22Guianan%20block%20Club%22

Scroll down to (NMAI o58277.000) belaying pin style club. I think this may identify this club 20 inches long.

[fearn]

Hi Tim,

Neat club!

You may want to look up kanaima (http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Shamans-Kanaima-Poetics-Violent/dp/0822329883/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312043272&sr=8-1) . This club is similar to one used on dark shamans (see the pic in this article (http://waa.uwalumni.com/onwisconsin/2003_fall/unintended1.html)). Or it may just be a war club. Regardless, there may be more angles to this.

Best,

F

[Tim Simmons]

Thanks, ordered and on its way.

[Atlantia]

Hi Tim,

Thanks I'll read through that in a mo :)
Any thoughts on the decoration?

Hi Fearn ,

The club in the picture is like mine, not Tim's isn't it?
Are you mixing us up? I can understand you assuming any club thread is Tims ;)

[KuKulzA28]

Did the Caribbean Caribs use the same style club? I heard they called theirs a "boutou"??

Just curious :shrug:

[fearn]

Hi Tim,

Thanks I'll read through that in a mo :)
Any thoughts on the decoration?

Hi Fearn ,

The club in the picture is like mine, not Tim's isn't it?
Are you mixing us up? I can understand you assuming any club thread is Tims ;)

Yep, I got confused.

Anyway, AFAIK, people in Guyana do use those square headed clubs on the heads of known or suspected Kanaima sorcerers. That's why I suggested reading Neil Whitehead's book. It's pretty gruesome stuff, and I suspect there's a reason his author pic shows him holding one of those clubs.

F

[Atlantia]

Yep, I got confused.

Anyway, AFAIK, people in Guyana do use those square headed clubs on the heads of known or suspected Kanaima sorcerers. That's why I suggested reading Neil Whitehead's book. It's pretty gruesome stuff, and I suspect there's a reason his author pic shows him holding one of those clubs.

F
:eek:
Jesus! So even a modern one might have actually killed someone!

Thats a bit unsettling.

Notice how they stand up on their own? Like a little wooden bottle of bad karma.

[fearn]

Well, if the edge of the macana isn't dented, I wouldn't worry about it.

That said, if you read about what the kanaima do, it makes sense. It's sort of like Van Helsing holding up a stake in his author picture, except that the kanaima are real.

F

[Tim Simmons]

Jessica Van Helsing---- Stephin Beacham---- dracula ad 1972, I say!!!!!

[Atlantia]

The design has one dot in each section on three of the sides, but on the fourth it's different.

[Atlantia]

Have investigated the bindings and there is no damage, just 'bunching up', so all it needed was to be carefully teased back into place.
I think it's looking quite good now, what do you think?

[Robert]

Great club Gene, and with those square corners and its weight a real head knocker !!:eek: It really does make a big difference in how it looks now that the binding has been put back in order. Good work and a very nice addition to your ever growing collection.

Robert

[fearn]

The design has one dot in each section on three of the sides, but on the fourth it's different.

Is this the "this face towards enemy mark?

F

[Atlantia]

Great club Gene, and with those square corners and its weight a real head knocker !!:eek: It really does make a big difference in how it looks now that the binding has been put back in order. Good work and a very nice addition to your ever growing collection.

Robert

Thanks mate :)

Definately wouldn't want to feel it on my head!! The mrs doesn't like it! Says she gets a 'bad vibe' off of it!

Best
Gene

[Atlantia]

Is this the "this face towards enemy mark?

F


Hi Fearn

LOL!! I should have known.
;)
Best
Gene

[VANDOO]

CONGRADULATIONS!! :) THESE ARE HARD TO COME BY, I HAVE ONLY SEEN ONE FOR SALE IN THE LAST 30 YEARS GIVE OR TAKE AND IT WAS A VERY POOR EXAMPLE. YOURS IS FIRST CLASS AND WITH GOOD PATINA AND UNUSUAL TO HAVE BINDINGS IN SUCH GOOD SHAPE. HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF OTHER EXAMPLES AND FORMS FROM GUYANA BRAZIL.

[Atlantia]

CONGRADULATIONS!! :) THESE ARE HARD TO COME BY, I HAVE ONLY SEEN ONE FOR SALE IN THE LAST 30 YEARS GIVE OR TAKE AND IT WAS A VERY POOR EXAMPLE. YOURS IS FIRST CLASS AND WITH GOOD PATINA AND UNUSUAL TO HAVE BINDINGS IN SUCH GOOD SHAPE. HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF OTHER EXAMPLES AND FORMS FROM GUYANA BRAZIL.


Hi Vandoo,

Very kind of you to say so :) Thank you.
Do you have any thoughts on the painted markings?
Best
Gene

[spiral]

Rare piece Gene! I wonder if these are made of Greenheart? Thats from around that region & incredibly hard. Is that a tree borer or termite hole in it? or something from a dead knot?

It looks in amazing condition, good find. Ive never seen one before.

Spiral

[Atlantia]

Rare piece Gene! I wonder if these are made of Greenheart? Thats from around that region & incredibly hard. Is that a tree borer or termite hole in it? or something from a dead knot?

It looks in amazing condition, good find. Ive never seen one before.

Spiral

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks mate.
I have a bit of a weakness for buying weapons if they are of a type I've not owned before.
This macana is a first for me, although I have to admit that my first impression of these is of a half finished chair-leg and I am finding it difficult to 'like' :shrug:
Also, I do like to bring things that are not often seen to 'show and tell'!
Being a member here is clearly bad for my bank balance! ;)

There is a knot on one side, have a loook at the holes, I'm really not sure?

Best
Gene

[fearn]

Actually, joking aside, those multiple dots may be there to tell the wielder to have that face away from the strike, not facing it (they should see the multiple dots). That way, the knot and the bug hole are compressed if the club hits, not stretched, if the club is used.

F

[VANDOO]

THE CLUB APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MADE OF THE TRUNK OF A SMALL TREE NOTE THE GROWTH RINGS IN THE END. ONE SIDE HAS A KNOT AND SOME DAMMAGE WHERE THEY WERE TRYING TO WORK THE KNOT DOWN THAT WAS TOO DEEP TO SAND OUT. THE TWO HOLES COME FROM SOME SORT OF BEETLE LARVA WHICH IS NOT UNUSUAL. THE END APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN CUT WITH SOME SORT OF CRUDE SAW OR PERHAPS WORKED DOWN WITH A FILE DEFINITELY NOT CHOPPED WITH AN AX OR MACHETE. THE TRIBAL MARKINGS COULD BE DENOTING THE TRIBE, FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL OR EVEN A CHARM TO PROTECT AND BRING VICTORY TO ITS OWNER.
IF IT NEVER GROWS ON YA LET ME KNOW AS I WOULD DEFINITELY BE INTERESTED. :D

[spiral]

Cheers Gene, Vandoos sewed it up for you already. ;)

Spiral

[Atlantia]

Actually, joking aside, those multiple dots may be there to tell the wielder to have that face away from the strike, not facing it (they should see the multiple dots). That way, the knot and the bug hole are compressed if the club hits, not stretched, if the club is used.

F

What a great idea :)
Thanks Fearn

[Atlantia]

THE CLUB APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MADE OF THE TRUNK OF A SMALL TREE NOTE THE GROWTH RINGS IN THE END. ONE SIDE HAS A KNOT AND SOME DAMMAGE WHERE THEY WERE TRYING TO WORK THE KNOT DOWN THAT WAS TOO DEEP TO SAND OUT. THE TWO HOLES COME FROM SOME SORT OF BEETLE LARVA WHICH IS NOT UNUSUAL. THE END APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN CUT WITH SOME SORT OF CRUDE SAW OR PERHAPS WORKED DOWN WITH A FILE DEFINITELY NOT CHOPPED WITH AN AX OR MACHETE. THE TRIBAL MARKINGS COULD BE DENOTING THE TRIBE, FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL OR EVEN A CHARM TO PROTECT AND BRING VICTORY TO ITS OWNER.
IF IT NEVER GROWS ON YA LET ME KNOW AS I WOULD DEFINITELY BE INTERESTED. :D


Excellent analysis Vandoo!
That beetle larva must have 'chops' like a router! Wouldn't want to wake up with one in my ear ;)
Thanks mate, I must admit that a few people have expressed an interest in it, I'll definately let you all know when I get bored with it.

Best
Gene

[Tim Simmons]

This club finished on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170684731257?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Origin could be many places but could also be related to the clubs in this link.

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1013&context=anthrotheses&sei-redir=1#search=%22Guianan%20block%20Club%22

37cm long and 400g much the same as many knobkerry but lacking lever action. What I find intersting is that there does seem to be a tradition somewhere here? My example almost identical in form is 50cm long and 700g. Just curious!

[Tim Simmons]

I might be on a wild goose chase but I think the wood may be a link? There is a black element in the wood, seen in the clubs of the link, in mine and also I think seen in the pommel of the example Gene shows us.

[fearn]

Or it's a species of shillelagh. I agree that it could be from almost anywhere.

Best,

F

[Atlantia]

This club finished on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170684731257?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Origin could be many places but could also be related to the clubs in this link.

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1013&context=anthrotheses&sei-redir=1#search=%22Guianan%20block%20Club%22

37cm long and 400g much the same as many knobkerry but lacking lever action. What I find intersting is that there does seem to be a tradition somewhere here? My example almost identical in form is 50cm long and 700g. Just curious!


It's a difficult one buddy.
I'd say that I've seen many similarly crude 'root ball' clubs over the years, and they've had a myriad of stories with them.
Fishermans priest, Poachers club, Shillelagh etc.....
Not to mention non-uk origins.
I honestly don't know how you'd tell them apart, short of analysing the wood.
I did think that your example having the lanyard hole was probobly not south american, but then reading through the document PDF, the 'axe' shaped one has a similar hole for a wrist strap.

Hmmmmm......

[Tim Simmons]

I would really like to test the wood. The last time a few years ago, it cost £100 at Kew. Sadly I cannot justify this piece with empty wallet. Got free entry with the enquiry.

[Atlantia]

I would really like to test the wood. The last time a few years ago, it cost £100 at Kew. Sadly I cannot justify this piece with empty wallet. Got free entry with the enquiry.

You mean you waved a club and they waived the entry fee? ;)

[KuKulzA28]

This reading may be of interest to those who have interest in Native American, or more specifically the shamanism in the Guyanese area from an anthropological perspective... I know it is definitely interesting to me so far.

Dark Shamans and the Shamanic State:
Sorcery and Witchcraft as Political Process in Guyana and Venezuelan Amazon.
Silvia Vidal and Neil L. Whitehead (http://wisc.academia.edu/NeilWhitehead/Papers/79421/The_Shamanic_State)

[fearn]

This reading may be of interest to those who have interest in Native American, or more specifically the shamanism in the Guyanese area from an anthropological perspective... I know it is definitely interesting to me so far.

Dark Shamans and the Shamanic State:
Sorcery and Witchcraft as Political Process in Guyana and Venezuelan Amazon.
Silvia Vidal and Neil L. Whitehead (http://wisc.academia.edu/NeilWhitehead/Papers/79421/The_Shamanic_State)

Great book, if more than a little unsettling. You can also check the links in posting #5

F

[KuKulzA28]

Great book, if more than a little unsettling. You can also check the links in posting #5

F
Yes, I've read the article, and I am considering getting the book as well. Guyana is a country of great interest to me, and I am always trying to learn more about it...

[fearn]

I read the book, but I checked it out of a library years ago. As I noted earlier in this thread, I sympathize with Whitehead for owning a club that was designed to kill kanaima. It's primarily because of what the kanaima did to their victims, and that's only because they did start stalking him before he left Guyana.

F

[KuKulzA28]

I'm curious... weren't these aputu/macana around and being used prior to European invasion? So was the club both a self-defense Kanaima killer and warrior's weapon all along? How prevalent was the kanaima practice historically? I was under the impression it became more significant post European invasion... socially working as a reaffirmation of aboriginal power, spiritually as the destructive compliment to healing and life, and physically as a very cruel, torturous way to die...

:shrug:

It's interesting that despite the availability of machetes and guns, that they'd still be using aputu - but not much can beat good old impact weapons at what they do - crush, bludgeon, and smash!

[Atlantia]

It now has its own little custom stand

[Atlantia]

Guyana Macana Club from Christies auction. Click for full details. (http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=3959619)

"A GUYANA CLUB
Macana
Of waisted quadrangular form, finely incised ornament on a cross-hatched ground to each side of blade and flared butt, twisted cotton wrist thong, dark patina
38.5cm. long "

[fearn]

It's interesting that despite the availability of machetes and guns, that they'd still be using aputu - but not much can beat good old impact weapons at what they do - crush, bludgeon, and smash!

Wood's cheap in the Amazon. Why not use it?

F

[fearn]

Nice display Gene! Keeps it handy in case any kanaima show up, too.

F

[Atlantia]

Nice display Gene! Keeps it handy in case any kanaima show up, too.

F

Thanks mate,

Now there's an unsettling thought! ;)

[KuKulzA28]

Wood's cheap in the Amazon. Why not use it?

F
Good point. :D

[Sajen]

Hello Gene,

it's late but I have to say that the club is very nice! :)

Regards,

Detlef

[Atlantia]

Hello Gene,

it's late but I have to say that the club is very nice! :)

Regards,

Detlef


Hi Detlef,

Thats very kind of you, thank you :)

Best
Gene

[KuKulzA28]

Found this photo, you guys may appreciate. :)

http://izmirmasatenisi.com/wp-content/plugins/arawak-indians-pictures-5714.jpg

[KuKulzA28]

I was down in Guyana recently assisting scientific researchers, and I spent plenty of time with local peoples, the Macushi folks in particular. Some were Wapishana. Down there, the politically correct term for indigenous people is Amerindian so I will refer to them as such.

I asked them about the Kanaima... According to one older man, they are Carib and Patomonas with special shapeshifting abilities - at night they can turn into beasts. He says one day him and other Macushis were at a logging site with some Caribs and Patomonas, and they were all laughing and drinking at dinner, but later in the night, they had all disappeared into the forest, and there was no trace of human footprint.

According to another man they (Kanaima), are river monsters that emerge at night to capture people and eat them.

According to a woman I talked to, it is a secret member of the village. If you committed a crime, the Kanaima would know, and at night, the secretly appointed member of the village would find you and torture you, before ending your life with a wooden club. If he decided to leave you in immense pain but alive, he would cut out your tongue so you couldn't reveal his identity.

That last story is most like what has been described earlier. Anthropologists in Guyana seem to think it was a form of social control, to help keep people in line. But as you can see, various Amerindians have different versions of the story, some totally unrelated to anything crime or spirituality related.

-----

As for Aputu (block-clubs), I asked an Amerindian from the Kaieteur region and began drawing it and he recognized it immediately. Before I could even finish my sketch he said I should add a stone ax blade onto the drawing of the club, and explained how his ancestors got certain stone and ground them smooth and sharp on large boulders in the river, and how even today, when the waters low you can see the areas on the boulders where the grinding took place because of smoothed out depressions on the boulders... he went on to explain pictographs, high-water/low-water, canoes, etc.etc.

So this does point to a high prevalence of stone ax/celt blades set into the block-clubs. He mentioned that he doesn't know anyone who owns one anymore though...


Wood's cheap in the Amazon. Why not use it?

F

I asked the Macushi guys down in Guyana and they said no one around here uses clubs anymore - if there is a fight, which is rarer nowadays, its with "knife or cutlass" (machete). Maybe in some more remote places they still use clubs, but all the Amerindians I met said if there's any fighting it's with cutlass. Down in Trinidad, Tobago, and Guyana they call machetes "cutlass" or "cutlash"... Machetes are pretty easy to get down here in Guyana, so it would have to be a much more traditional and remote group of Amerindians if they still used the block-club (or any bludgeon really).

Now, granted, I only got to spend time with the Macushis, and there's 8 other Amerindian groups here in Guyana: Caribs, Arawaks, Wapishanas, Patomonas, Wai Wai, Arecunas, Akawaios, Warraus... and of course the occasional Amazonian tribesman from Brazil. So it's entirely possible that amongst the nations that were most war-like, and still retain more traditions, and historically were fond of using block-clubs - that they'd be more likely to still have some. I'd bet on some Caribs still owning them.

But tribal warfare has ended for some generations, though they all have stories from when it was prevalent. It seems at most the violence is personal issues resolved with cutlass, or gold miners/bandits preying on other gold miners - but that's with shotguns and AK-47s - many guns are illegally imported from Brazil.

--------

Found this photo, you guys may appreciate. :)

http://izmirmasatenisi.com/wp-content/plugins/arawak-indians-pictures-5714.jpg
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nyggbs/Images/NativeWarriersYoung.jpg

I don't know exactly which group this was from, but I will do more research and ask my Guyanese friends, and maybe I can figure out which ethnic group this was.

There's some chance it was a totally staged photo, but maybe I can figure out who group they're SUPPOSED to be based on the costume and weapons.

[KuKulzA28]

[edit: double post, sorry]

[KuKulzA28]

A very nice example I found online!
http://c252289.r89.cf3.rackcdn.com/27709.jpg