Knobkerrie or throwing club?

Tim Simmons · 26th December 2005, 05:11 PM

Last Thursday was very good for me, as well as the parang, I also came across this club and a spear, which I shall also show. The OA length is 54cm with a massive head of 34.4cm diameter. I am sure it is not Zulu but it could be from South or Southern Africa. It could also be a throwing club originating from a far greater expanse of South to East Africa. It is carved from a much lighter wieght wood than the usual knobkerrie and being not much longer than a forearm with an out stretched hand, could be thrown with the hand working as another elbow making all elements of the throw balanced. I know Freddy is keen on clubs. Any thoughts? Tim

RomaRana · 26th December 2005, 06:28 PM

That could be a maasai rungu as that is one shape style they follow, it also seems to be the same wood tone(olive branch) as the rungu.

Freddy · 26th December 2005, 06:33 PM

That's a big one.

I doubt however if this is really a throwing stick. A huge ball wouldn't 'fly' very far when thrown. It could be some kind of ceremonial piece, or...perhaps just a knobkerrie for a very big and strong man.

Is it made from one piece of wood ?
I have a club in my collection which has a hardwood ball and a very flexible handle. The seller told me that the handle was expendable. When it was broken, the owner just cut a new one. The head of the club, however, was used again.
It's from the Agoni-tribe in Swaziland and it is called 'chibonga'.
Total length : 67,5 cm

The second picture cleary shows that the handle is a separate piece of wood.

It's not easy to find examples of African throwing sticks in a book. Most books on African weapons only deal with iron weapons.
Nevertheless, here's one :

I have one stick in my collection which also could be a throwing club. I found this one in a shop in Brussels, filled with African goodies

I don't know anything about it. I showed it to a German friend and he also said in was used for throwing.
Length : 78,5 cm

Your club could also originate from the South Sea, for example Fiji. They also have throwing clubs.

So you see....perhaps more questions than answers

Tim Simmons · 26th December 2005, 06:41 PM

Thanks Freddy, It is carved from one piece and as you can see there was a worm? living in the wood before the club was made. I do not think it is from the south seas but I could live in hope. I had one of those 'chibonga' but gave it away in a swap, which was a bit silly but you live and learn

. Tim

26th December 2005, 05:11 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,736	Knobkerrie or throwing club? Last Thursday was very good for me, as well as the parang, I also came across this club and a spear, which I shall also show. The OA length is 54cm with a massive head of 34.4cm diameter. I am sure it is not Zulu but it could be from South or Southern Africa. It could also be a throwing club originating from a far greater expanse of South to East Africa. It is carved from a much lighter wieght wood than the usual knobkerrie and being not much longer than a forearm with an out stretched hand, could be thrown with the hand working as another elbow making all elements of the throw balanced. I know Freddy is keen on clubs. Any thoughts? Tim Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 26th December 2005 at 06:17 PM.

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26th December 2005, 06:28 PM	#2
RomaRana Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 58	That could be a maasai rungu as that is one shape style they follow, it also seems to be the same wood tone(olive branch) as the rungu.

26th December 2005, 06:33 PM	#3
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	That's a big one. I doubt however if this is really a throwing stick. A huge ball wouldn't 'fly' very far when thrown. It could be some kind of ceremonial piece, or...perhaps just a knobkerrie for a very big and strong man. Is it made from one piece of wood ? I have a club in my collection which has a hardwood ball and a very flexible handle. The seller told me that the handle was expendable. When it was broken, the owner just cut a new one. The head of the club, however, was used again. It's from the Agoni-tribe in Swaziland and it is called 'chibonga'. Total length : 67,5 cm The second picture cleary shows that the handle is a separate piece of wood. It's not easy to find examples of African throwing sticks in a book. Most books on African weapons only deal with iron weapons. Nevertheless, here's one : I have one stick in my collection which also could be a throwing club. I found this one in a shop in Brussels, filled with African goodies I don't know anything about it. I showed it to a German friend and he also said in was used for throwing. Length : 78,5 cm Your club could also originate from the South Sea, for example Fiji. They also have throwing clubs. So you see....perhaps more questions than answers

26th December 2005, 06:41 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,736	Thanks Freddy, It is carved from one piece and as you can see there was a worm? living in the wood before the club was made. I do not think it is from the south seas but I could live in hope. I had one of those 'chibonga' but gave it away in a swap, which was a bit silly but you live and learn . Tim