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Gunstock war club / Native American

Essay/Description

Gunstock-style war club -- The club is constructed of wood. Five roughly parallel grooves were carved along the central length of one side and a zig-zag groove was carved along the other side of the stock. Traces of red pigment are noted on the sides of the club. Brass tacks decorate the perimeter of the club. There is a hole at the butt end of the handle with a leather thong. A leather thong and feather are attached to a hole at the head of the club.

Wooden clubs were also frequently used and came in several different styles, including ball-headed and gunstock. As early as the 17th century, gunstock style war clubs became popular in the Eastern woodlands and the Midwest. Tribes in these areas used this style in warfare until about 1850; ceremonial usage continued for many years. Gunstock clubs often had a blade made of flint, horn, or iron and were decorated with engravings or brass (Taylor 2001, 23-24).

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Title(s): 
Gunstock war club
Culture: 
Native American
Date: 
19th century
Period: 
Historic
Place: 
United States
Materials/Techniques: 
wood, brass, leather, feather, pigment
Classification: 
Object Type: 
Accession No: 
73.245
Department: 
Not On View

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