Aboriginal Pandanus Head Club
Date19th Century
Object number00055496
NameClub
Mediumwood
metal
DimensionsOverall: 730 × 80 mm, 882 g
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection
DescriptionAn Aboriginal club often referred to as a Pandanus Head club whose use extended from north east South Australia to the Cape York Peninsula. Traditionally made entirely of wood, this club features a head of horse shoe nails that became common after European contact. The nails provide the studded appearance that original carved club heads showed. The handle is carved to provide better grip.
HistoryWooden fighting or throwing clubs are used for hunting or conflict and this type traditionally featured a skilfully carved head with multiple small knobs. After the arrival of European settlers horse shoe nails were sometimes used.
SignificanceThis club is an important piece as historic fighting and parrying weapons, implements and ceremonial artefacts and artworks that show Aboriginal lore and practices in defending country and hunting in country, especially in salt and freshwater environments
before 1656
before 1656
before 1656
before 1656
before 1656
before 1656
before 1656
before 1656