Rhino Horn Knobkerrie ?

[katana]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

David, I do hope this is R horn.

I do not want to take the wind from your sails, I have exprienced it enough myself and proofing your point though a PC is hard work. What one has to bare in mind is how large the horns of some African cattle are. The tips of Bovine horn are solid. I myself am unsure about the item. I like it and was watching it.
One thing I can say is that as a form it lacks status and gravitas in its production, it is also rather short.

Hi Tim,
there is no bony core (evident in bovine horn), the 'knob' / handle end has an 'orange textured' surface. Hot pin test proves keratin. Using a 'wetted' hand' I can grip this as easily as with a 'dry' hand.
I am sure that this is Rhino.

" ...lacks status and gravitas in its production, it is also rather short" ....not certain what you mean. Both of Artzis examples have larger heads (one only slightly), mine is 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" (one of his is 2"x2") however, in length mine is the same as the longest ie 22", the other was 'only' 16.5". I cannot see any significant difference in their production Other than some Rhino horn 'hafted' axes I cannot found any other picture of similar knobkerries, if you have pictures of examples that have gravitas and status please post them, so that I can 'see what you mean'.

All the best
David

[Lew]

David

Can you post a clear close up of the head side view and top view looking down. It looks like rhino but better pics will put the question to rest.

[katana]

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

David

Can you post a clear close up of the head side view and top view looking down. It looks like rhino but better pics will put the question to rest.

Hi Lew,
will try, there is a build-up of 'patina' / darkening of both ends, it's easy to see the tubular structure when under the right lighting situation and using a magnifying glass. Will try and replicate in a photo.

Regards David

[katana]

Hope these pictures are OK ....had to clean of some of the surface 'build-up' so that the structure is more evident.

The 'slot' cut in the upper most surface is something I had not really taken notice of before. This slot is not a split or damage, as I had first thought....now the area is cleaner I can see it was carved along time ago. I would say that the original 'concept' was undoubtably 'phallic' and a 'power' symbol

Regards David

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[Lew]

Most definately rhino

Congrats

[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

[katana]

After re-viewing the close-up pictures I noticed a very precise line that encircles the head .....foreskin?? ( ) Surely this must be phallic.

Triple the power ??? Rhino/weapon/phallus (symbolic of male status)


Regards David

PS All 'school boy' comments accepted

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