crafted from maple and decorated with triangular elements, a starburst, and thunderbird imagery on both sides; cast steel blade marked John Algor

length 27-1/4 inches; overall length of blade (through wood) 10-1/2 inches

Frequently engraved on the flat handle are images of mythical beings, human figures of slain enemies, and tally marks referring to specific war deeds. Mythical symbolism is most explicit on clubs originating from tribal organizations divided into dualistic divisions, associated with either sky or underworld. Gunstock clubs tend to picture images related to spiritual powers of the sky realm, such as the birds on this club. They are identified as thunderbirds by the lightning flashing from their heads.

The sun or star-like design is a sky symbol by itself, but placed behind the metal blade on several similar clubs the design may also become the eye of a raptorial bird. It seems that the native owner of this club wished to proclaim the thunderbird either as his personal guardian spirit or as the symbol of his clan. Remarkable and unique is the identical decoration on both sides of this club.

After the 1830s and the adoption of firearms the popularity of these clubs as weapons diminished, but they remained important as ceremonial batons carried by chiefs and respected war veterans, noticeable in several early portraits. Most likely this club is of Minnesota Sioux origin in the second half of the nineteenth century (Brasser: 2015).

Exhibited:
June 30-2015 - May 2016. Anishnaabek Art: Gift of the Great Lakes. Harbor Springs Area Historical Society, Harbor Spring, Michigan

Published:
Hemenway, Eric and Mary Cummings. Anishnaabek Art: Gift of the Great Lakes (2015: 9).