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19th C. Great Lakes Ball Head Hand Effigy War Club

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
19th C. Great Lakes Ball Head Hand Effigy War Club
This lot features a hand effigy carved root ball head war club from the Northeastern Great Lakes Native American Indian region dating to the early-1800s. The piece exhibits a root burl carved ball head and the entire club appears to be crafted from one piece of wood. The top of the ball head has a human hand effigy carving with tapered haft handle. The ball has been heavily painted red with the majority of the shaft showing remnants of being painted white. At the end of the club has more red paint. There are several documented human hand and face carved weapons from the Seneca and Iroquois Indians of the Great Lakes Woodlands region with this being a nice example. For reference see the Circa 1841 Tonawanda Seneca False Face Staff which sold at Cowan’s for $11,000 around 2011 and shows a shaft with the end having a closing human hand over a round ball face. The club shows a few spots with exposed pieces of the wood, slight chips or cuts, showing the deep patina coloring of the wood, indicative of its early age. Truly a unique piece with great Native American Folk Art appeal. Measures overall 19 5/8”L with the ball being about 3.25”.*