amaZulu knobkerries (iwisa) are normally made from assegai wood (Curtisia dentata), another strong 'iron' wood that is denser than water. it is a member of the dogwood family which europeans used for spear hafts. in SA the boer favoured the wood for wagon wheel spokes. zulu also preferred it for iklwa hafts. they would use the area where the heart and sap woods would meet, like the english did in yew for their longbows. the white sapwood and red/brown heartwood is rather distinctive. the heartwood can turn very dark with age & yours looks perfect. they were frequently made by related but subservient tribes for tribute to the zulu. iwisa were also made from large rhino horns, but now they're not legal unless really antique and accompanied by certification & licenses from cites and a few other agencies... and cost a large bundle of dosh.
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