Zulu Knobkerrie Carved Walking Stick South Africa

Zulu Knobkerrie is a form of African art that is traditionally practiced by the Zulu people of South Africa. The Knobkerrie is a short wooden club, with a rounded head that is used as both a weapon and a symbol of authority.

The Zulu people have a long and rich history of woodworking, and their traditional crafts are highly prized for their intricate designs and skilled workmanship. Knobkerries are often adorned with intricate carvings that depict important events, people, or animals in Zulu culture.

The process of creating a Knobkerrie involves selecting the right piece of wood, typically a dense and durable hardwood such as African blackwood, and carving it into the desired shape. The carver will carefully shape the head of the club, creating a smooth and rounded surface that is both visually appealing and functional as a weapon. The handle is also carved to fit comfortably in the hand, with a flared base to prevent it from slipping out during use.

Once the basic shape of the Knobkerrie has been carved, the artist will begin the process of adding intricate designs and patterns. These designs can range from simple geometric shapes to highly detailed depictions of people, animals, and landscapes. The carver will use a variety of tools to create these designs, including chisels, knives, and sandpaper.

One of the most iconic features of Zulu Knobkerrie is the use of intricate beadwork to embellish the handle. The beads are carefully selected to complement the colors and patterns of the carving, and are often arranged in complex geometric patterns.

Zulu Knobkerries are not just functional weapons, but are also highly prized works of art. They are often displayed in museums and art galleries around the world, and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of African art. The intricate carvings and beadwork that adorn these clubs are a testament to the skill and creativity of the Zulu people, and serve as a powerful symbol of their rich cultural heritage.

Provenance: From the Collection of Robert Pearson, Denver, Colorado

Bob Pearson began collecting African art later in his life. He was a n engineer, inveterate climber, and long-time collector of books and paintings. Spurred by the Douglas Society at the Denver Museum of Art, and his friendship with noted collector George Heggarty, he began building an enormous, eclectic collection. His African art library grew to several hundred books. He loved textiles and “material culture”-things which had domestic use, like spoons, cups, stools, and chairs, as well as masks and carvings. His collection included items from more than thirty African countries, and his fine eye gave him pieces ranging from a golddust scale to huge Dogon figural ladders. Africa Direct is honored to have been chosen to sell them.

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