The knobkerrie, or iwisa club, was a significant weapon to the Zulu warrior and as simple as it seems, it required extra practice and strength to wield effectively. The club is, after all, an uncomplicated weapon, but the iwisa actually required expert craftsmanship to create. Made from a specific tree, olea capensis, the so-called ironwood tree - the worlds heaviest and hardest wood - the real secret was in the finish. The trees sap was applied to the freshly carved stick acting as a glue, ensuring durability as well as heft, and with a surprisingly beautiful varnished finish. Usually the sap would dry after one or two months, but at times would take up to a year to set. Once cured, the stick would become a deadly knobkerrie.
Group
Sculptural Figure(s)
Condition
Extra Fine painted
Scale
Scale 1:30
Material
Metal-Alloy
Epoch
19th Century
Time
1815 - 1870
Nationality/Location
Southern Africa
State
New
Not a toy! Not suitable for children under the age of 14!
W. Britain Model Figures E. Water St. 20 OH 45601 Chillicothe Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
