Bkwaakdo-bgamaagan; Club, ball headed

Bkwaakdo-bgamaagan; Club, ball headed

Bkwaakdo-bgamaagan; Club, ball headed

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Introduction

This relative, a bkwaakdo-bgamaagan (ball or round headed club), is carved from maple and has an animal (possibly a dog or a marten) carved over the curving element at the top of the ball with two iron nails for eyes. The short blade inset located at the bottom of the ball is axe shaped. The handle is 'deer hoof' shaped, and there is a hole at the bottom of the handle for attachments (none currently associated with this item). The origins of the bkwaakdo-bgamaagan are not certain; however, it has probable connections to the Anishinaabe or Hodenosaunee/Haudenosaunee.

This relative currently resides at the National Museum of Ireland.

Name of Maker(s): Unrecorded
Maker role: Artist
Nation of Maker: Anishinaabe Hodenosaunee/Haudenosaunee
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

This relative shares similarities to clubs in Peter Jones, Jasper Grant and Drummond Collections.

Date Made or Date Range: late 18th to early 19th century
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

GRASAC researcher notes.

Materials

maple wood with burl carved as the ball, iron blade, inlaid with lead at join with blade, two iron nails for eyes

Techniques or Format

straight shaft with 'deer hoof' shaped handle, a hole at the bottom of the handle for attachments.

Motifs and Patterns

animal on top of handle is probably a dog or possibly a marten

Condition: Very good
Current Location: National Museum of Ireland
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1894.118
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1894
Collection Narratives and Histories

Potentially additional information available via Trinity College Dublin.

GKS Reference Number: 24553
How to Cite this Item

Maker, Name unrecorded. Bkwaakdo-bgamaagan; Club, ball headed. GRASAC ID 24553. National Museum of Ireland Collection 1894.118.

Record Creation Context

This record was augmented by Dana Murray on July 8, 2024. It draws on images and information from GRASAC researcher notes from the.GRASAC research trip to the National Museum of Ireland on July 21, 2010. Participants included Alan Corbiere, Bhnens Corbiere, Crystal Migwans, Nikolaus Stolle, Rachel Hand, and Ruth Phillip, and assisted by Padraig Clancy.

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