Unknown club
 

It has been some time since I posted a new thread, but now I need some help.

Some time ago, I stumbled onto this piece. It's a club, that's for sure ! But where could it be from. I first thought it was native American.

When looking at the sculpted head, I see the head of a monkey. Now, I'm more inclined to think it's Indonesian. But...do they have clubs like this one ???? :shrug:

This piece is 38,5 cm long. The handle has some patina (I don't know if this shows on my pics). The strap is made out of cord covered in leather.

Does anyone have a clue ?

Never seen anything like it. I can only offer the following comments :-

a) the wood looks like teak ? (Asia)
b) the carving has a vague South East Asian "look" (dragon/monkey etc)
c) the mouth seems as though there should be some attachment, such as
streamers or cords... (kite-flying ??)

Just a few guesses :shrug:

Thanks for the input.

It could be teak. The wood is reddish.

I don't think however that there has been a strap through the hole in the mouth. I looks more like the head is holding a ball between it's jaws.

When I see it was my first guess also South East Asia. :shrug:

Regards,

Detlef

I can certainly understand why you would think Native North American when first seeing this, Freddy. The carving invokes images common to tribes of the Pacific NW.

However, that face sure looks like a monkey to me, especially the front view. I see a large, cleft upper lip...