Description:

Australia, Western Desert to Central Australia, Aboriginal peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A rare example of a wooden club and digging tool made from mulga wood - a type of acacia. The club has a broad, flattened body, with one edge thinner than the other, and then tapers along the grain of the wood to a narrow grip that ends in a rough point. The curved end is painted with colorful dots on a background of thick black stripes and swirls. Size: 11.85" W x 27" H (30.1 cm x 68.6 cm)

In arid Western and Central Australia, Aboriginal peoples made tools from mulga, dogwood wattle, and waddy-wood. These high-density woods were chosen for their hardness and heavy weight, which increased the physical power of the object. This type of club, sometimes known as a waddy, were made by both men and women and were used in hand-to-hand combat and for stunning or killing prey in the bush. Further uses included as projectiles and fuel sources. A fine example of a versatile weapon well-suited to its environment.

Provenance: private collection of Dr. Evan Maurer, former Director of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (USA)

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#132109

  • Condition: Light surface wear and a few surface cracks commensurate with age.

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October 26, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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