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Club (Knobkerrie)

1800s–1900s
Wood
Overall: 66 cm (26 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.203
Location: 108B Southern African
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

The term knobkerrie refers to a characteristic spherical knob of wood or head atop a cylindrical shaft.

Description

Relatively short sticks historically used for hunting and fighting are customarily called knobkerries. A combination of Afrikaans and Shona words, the name refers to the characteristic spherical knob of wood (knop) or head atop a cylindrical shaft (kirri). The knobs on these were carved into a tight whorl and a compressed sphere with a central rib. Even though their basic shapes were derived from real weapons, many of these precious objects were rarely if ever used as such. Highly personal, they instead functioned as ceremonial display items or regalia, symbolizing the masculinity and prowess of their owner.
Club (Knobkerrie)

Club (Knobkerrie)

1800s–1900s

Africa, Southern Africa, Kingdom of Eswatini, Swazi-style maker

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