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Originally Posted by katana
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  with no damage to the wood 
What is this wood  ......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 |
Pretty hard to say unless its in my hand but looks like Grevillea ( Australian Silk Oak ) .. that is whitish when cut but quickly oxidises to that lovely red colour like mahoghany . It is also known to be hard but lightweight. However .. and this may be relevant .. it is native to the Eastern coastal areas of Australia.