Ceremonial War Club

ca. 1900
Not on view
Stone-headed war clubs of this general type were used by Native Americans for hundreds of years throughout the western plains in a large area ranging from the Dakotas to Texas. This club is notable for the colorful beads that cover the entire shaft. Although of much the same form as earlier war clubs made for use in battle, this late example was intended only for ceremonial purposes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ceremonial War Club
  • Date: ca. 1900
  • Culture: Native American, Plains
  • Medium: Stone, wood, beads, leather, tin, horsehair (?)
  • Dimensions: H. 37 1/4 in. (94.6 cm); W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); D. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 11.4 oz. (776 g)
  • Classification: Shafted Weapons
  • Credit Line: Gift of Helmut Nickel, 2016
  • Object Number: 2016.522
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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