Zulu Wood Knobkierrie or Club, Based

Slightly crooked, entirely sure of itself.

A Zulu maker in South Africa carved this knobkierrie, or club, from wood in the 20th century. The form is usually associated with herding, defense and rank. The shaft here is the longest in a group of similar clubs and has a gentle bend, with small knots along its length. The round head is amber and speckled, with darker mottling, and the stick darkens to brown near the base. It is shown on a small, flat black mount.

About 23 inches tall. Walking sticks always look a little smug when they have retired.