Zulu "Casse Tête"

The Zulu "casse-tête", known locally as the "iwisa" or knobkerrie, is a traditional hardwood club with a rounded, weighted knob. It served as a versatile weapon in warfare, especially for close combat, and as a tool for hunting and daily tasks. Beyond its practical uses, the iwisa held symbolic value as a status symbol for leaders and elders and was used in ceremonies and dances. While colonial observers viewed it mainly as a weapon, for the Zulu people, it embodies resilience, identity, and cultural heritage.
 
This particular iwisa is adorned with pyrograved designs, a technique where heated tools burn intricate patterns into the wood in order to create specific ornamentation. These decorations often feature geometric motifs or symbolic imagery, enhancing the aesthetic and cultural significance of these ceremonial objects.
 
Tribe:
Zulu, South-Africa
 
Period:
Mid 20th century
 
Provenance:
Belgian private collection
 
wood
59 cm
sold with custom metal stand