Antiquities, Pre-Columbian & Tribal Art - 10th February 2015
Lot 503
A Nootka (Nuu-chah-nulth) carved whalebone war club
Estimate £5,000 - £6,000 | Hammer £16000
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Description
A Nootka (Nuu-chah-nulth) carved whalebone war club, West Coast of Vancouver Island, the pommel as a bird head with open beak and a series of gouges, the blade with a flat section as the grip and tapering with lines terminating in a humanoid head, differences to each side, 19th century, 51.5cm long.
Documented clubs of this type are found around the west coast of Vancouver Island with the bird-like pommel and humanoid markings on the blade made from the jaw bone of a whale. A highly revered creature who's association would have likely empowered the warrior who used the club. Similar clubs have been dated to 500BC and do not appear to have altered in style over generations.