Swazi 'lingedla' war club

Measurements
length: 38 1/2"
head circumference: 9 1/4"
shaft: 35 1/2"
weight: 1 lb 1.2 oz

War club from the Engabezweni area of Swaziland, from the time the Swazi were ruled by the Queen Mother. These one piece clubs were made from the "umncuma" or wild olive tree. The head is cut into three parallel sharp ridges, and there is an indentation on the top and bottom of the head that held lard - this would keep the weapon from drying out and splitting. The carvings and indentations give the lingedla the appearance of a stylized eagle head.