wood cut into shape of miniature rifle; decorated with carved lines on one side and five thunderbirds on other side; ribbons tied to rawhide ties in holes at barrel end and at hammer area

Miniature Gunstock War Club, c. 1860

Anishinaabe (Ojibwe)expand_more

Wood, ribbons, animal hide, red pigmentexpand_more

The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  98.113

Not on Viewexpand_more

The gunstock war club was a common weapon among people from the Great Lakes and Woodlands regions. Its name is derived from its shape, as viewed from the side. Most clubs are larger than this one, with an average length of 25-30 inches. The five thunderbirds incised on the club symbolize the spiritual power of the natural world. Lightning radiates from the thunderbirds, shown as zigzagged lines. Ceremonial use is indicated by the club's small size, the decorative incisions and the remnants of applied red pigment.

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Miniature Gunstock war Club (#557)
Details
Title
Miniature Gunstock War Club
Role
Artist
Accession Number
98.113
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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wood cut into shape of miniature rifle; decorated with carved lines on one side and five thunderbirds on other side; ribbons tied to rawhide ties in holes at barrel end and at hammer area

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