Rhino Horn Knobkerrie ?

[katana]

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

Most definately rhino

Congrats

Thanks Lew ,
I have read that you recommend mineral oil to 'condition' horn. Will it 'clean off' the patina ? The horn does seem a little dry but I do not want to lose too much of its age.


As to the phallic symbolism, has anyone any comments or ideas .....a 22" phallus certainly would have gravitas....especially to the ladies

Other than the scarcity of Rhino horn, symbollically the taking of such a power animal's 'weapon' and then re-working into the form of a 'human' weapon must have, in the eyes of the tribemen, made it incredibly 'powerful' and talismatic.
Although the head of this knobkerrie is not massive, it does not detract from its functionality. A smaller surface area would 'concentrate' the power of the blow ....similar to a stilleto heel on a wooden floor ....the lbs per square inch is magnified. A skull fracture would likely cause haematoma...blood loss within the skull cavity....this bleeding creates pressure on the brain resulting in many complications and death.

Interestingly, Zulu shamans were very aware of haematoma, and would 'drill' the patient's skull in the location of the head injury to 'release' the 'bad spirit' ....apparently there was a distinctive sound as the pressure was released

Kind Regards David