One Papua New Guinea Club and 2 Others
 

I 've always liked war clubs, especially the stone headed ones from the S. Pacific. The one shown here is massive; it measures 53" long, the stone head is 8" from point to point, 2 & 3/8" wide and it weighs 11lbs.The warrior who wielded this must have been a "Goliath," or could it have been an execution tool or one for status, much like the Philippine panabas?
The other 2 clubs are supposed to be from the Austral Islands, the longer one,49" being quite heavy, and made of a dense wood, while the other 40" club may be a dance spear or dance club. Any information on the last 2 would be appreciated.

Very nice. Do you have any real information on the reddish coloured club and lance?

Thanks Tim. Unfortunately not; that is why I'm hoping someone can recognize these clubs.

The other pieces do not look PNG to me. They look South American. I think you might find examples of similar forms in the NMAI database. The AMNH database seem to be long term "temporary maintenance "

Just a quick look and only on the second page of many, this example.

It is quite possible that the stone club may well be South American too. The haft is atypical of PNG from what I have seem. Also the vegetal binding looks different. You mention the massive nature of the club. The examples of massive stone clubs I have seen were Peruvian. I have these photos from the gold museum Lima, which has wonderful collection of weapons from all times and countries. In remote areas clubs like yours may have been used until modern times.

Tim, once again you surprise me. Based on your past observations and your enlightening me, I had a sneaking suspicion that the two wooden clubs could be S.American, but you really have thrown me for a loop stating that the stone mace could be Peruvian.

I particularly like this one so is it ever becomes a burden you know where to unload. Very nice trio.

Thanks Tim, you are the one that kind of inspired me to acquire South American War Clubs. Tomorrow I hope to post a massive, what I believe to be a Shipibo Kombo war club (64" long), and I would be interested in your comments.