I Dunno Nulla club for discussion
 

just won this one on epray. australian 'nulla' club with animal decorations. 21.5 in. the kangaroo (to perpetuate the myth that when asked what that funny animal was, said 'i don't know) and the emu bird look a bit touristy - ie. too 'realistic', the other decorations look older & more native. they're a bit unclear, i see inklings of more scratched into it. will know more on arrival. was described as 'vintage'. any more info from the experts would be appreciated. thanks in advance.

I'm not an expert on these but I am Australian, so would venture to suggest that these are not traditional Aboriginal motifs. The emu and kangaroo look as though they were copied from the Australian Government coat of arms (see below). The other decorations look crude and non-specific.

Ian.

I AGREE THESE DESIGNS LOOK LIKE THEY WERE COPIED FROM THE COAT OF ARMS. THIS SORT OF POKERWORK (WOOD BURNING) AND DEPICTIONS OF ANIMALS, FLOWERS, ECT. WERE INFLUENCED AT THE MISSION STATIONS WHERE THE ABORIGINALS WORKED OR STAYED. THE TRIBES HAD DESIGNS AND SIGNS THAT SERVED AS WRITING DEPICTING WATER HOLES, CAMPS AND WHAT TYPE OF GAME AND FOOD WAS AVAILABLE AND WHERE TO LOOK. THIS CAN BE SEEN TODAY IN SOME OF THE PAINTINGS OF DREAM TIME. THE FULL DEPICTIONS OF ANIMALS AND WARRIORS WAS USUALLY RESERVED FOR THE SACRED PLACES OFTEN IN OVERHANGS, CAVES OR ROCK WALLS. THEY EVEN HAVE THE X-RAY STYLE SHOWING BONES, MUSCLES AND ORGANS. THIS IS MY GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE HISTORY OF THE AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINALS AND NO DOUBT NEEDS MORE RESEARCH AND STUDY TO GET THE FULL AND CORRECT PICTURE.