Native American, Midwestern United States, Indiana, Eastern Woodland, likely Algonquin people, ca. late 18th to 19th century CE. This deadly weapon is a gunstock type of war club with an iron spike, leather straps, and a tooth totem attached to the top. The name stems from the shape of the wood, curved like the butt end or back stock of a rifle, with a piercing through the "barrel" end for suspension with a cord. The thick wooden block end could certainly deal some blunt force trauma, while the long iron spike set into the elbow could punch and stab. The spike likely came from railroad construction or trade- the introduction of European iron and steel helped propel the popularity of these types of clubs. The mid shaft and spike are wrapped with leather bands, and a large canine tooth tied to the elbow may have added fierce power and strength to the warrior. The upper face has a label that states this piece was purportedly collected in Indiana in 1927. Size: 22" L x 7.5" W (55.9 cm x 19 cm)
Provenance: ex-Dr. Goldberg collection, Virginia, USA, before 2000
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#170118
Condition
Stable pressure fissures throughout the wood. Old and inactive insect bore holes. Leather is intact and very good. Some pitting and russet patina on spike. Descriptive label on wood surface with find site.