katana
26th January 2012, 02:07 PM
Recently bought this nulla nulla, probably early 20thC , but could be later.
Nulla nulla's differing designs seem to be regional. As hunter/gatherers, they did not want to carry unnecessary weight. These clubs were multi functional as a hand weapon, throwing club, digging stick, crusher/pounder for orche and food preparation etc. Lightness of materials was also a requirement ....which brings me back to this particular club.....it is incredibly light, but very, very strong and hard. The diamond shaped end is slightly flattened to give a thinner striking edge and would certainly cause injury. To test the hardness I have hit my anvil (progressively increasing power) and it made the anvil ring :eek: with no damage to the wood :cool:
What is this wood :confused: ......weighs a little more than balsa but seems to have the strength of oak . It is tight grained and looks similar to mahogany but is a mid brown colour.
All comments gratefully received
David
Nulla nulla's differing designs seem to be regional. As hunter/gatherers, they did not want to carry unnecessary weight. These clubs were multi functional as a hand weapon, throwing club, digging stick, crusher/pounder for orche and food preparation etc. Lightness of materials was also a requirement ....which brings me back to this particular club.....it is incredibly light, but very, very strong and hard. The diamond shaped end is slightly flattened to give a thinner striking edge and would certainly cause injury. To test the hardness I have hit my anvil (progressively increasing power) and it made the anvil ring :eek: with no damage to the wood :cool:
What is this wood :confused: ......weighs a little more than balsa but seems to have the strength of oak . It is tight grained and looks similar to mahogany but is a mid brown colour.
All comments gratefully received
David