club, ball-headed

club, ball-headed

club, ball-headed

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Introduction

A ball-headed club. The ball is held in a highly stylized representation of a bird or animal's mouth. Attributable to the Anishinaabe on the basis of the carving on the handle. An old label says it was collected from an Indian warrior by Captain Goddard of the 41st regiment in 1776, but recent research by a military historian shows this information to be dubious. Transferred from the Wisbech Museum to the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1949.

Nation of Maker: Anishinaabe
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Based on style: the concave scalloped line alternating with double triangles resembles Anishinaabe ribbonwork and other textile motifs.

Date Made or Date Range: Early 18 C to Late 18 C
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Museum documentation and the GRASAC research team.

Materials

wood

Techniques or Format

Carved form a single piece of wood. The handle's end is slanted and carved in relief with five concave curves and double triangular points. The ball is large and its weight carries a downward force when held at the handle end. It is carved with a projecting ridge across the base.

Motifs and Patterns

Curves alternating with triangular points. The motifs resemble the contours of ribbonwork applique and other textile designs typical of the Anishinaabe.

Condition: Good. It has some insect damage.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Based on the old label glued to shaft, which says the item was collected in 1776, as well as the style of carving.

Current Location: Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, UK
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1949.212
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1949
Date Relative was First Removed or Collected from its Community Context: 1776
Collection Narratives and Histories

This object was originally presented to the Wisbech Museum, and was acquired by the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1949. This club was allegedly collected by Captain Goddard in 1776. See letter in archives from K. R. Miller, `Head of Department, Weapons, Equipment and Vehicles, National Army Museum, 31 July 1998.

GKS Reference Number: 26816
How to Cite this Item

Unknown Anishinaabe artist, club, ball-headed. Currently in the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 1949.212. Item photographed and described as part of a GRASAC research trip May 2009; GRASAC item id 26816.

Record Creation Context

This record was created as part of a GRASAC research visit to the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, May 4-9 2009.

Record Creation Notes/Observations

Researchers present: Trudy Nicks, Stacey Loyer, Ruth Phillips, and Rachel Hand.

Approximate Place of Origin

43.0703, -80.1184

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