Carved "What is it"....Story stick?? Interesting

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by katana

Hi,
First of all.... A Happy New Year to one and all



bought this chip carved 'stick' ....covered with symbols, animals and human figures. Due to the fact that it does not seem 'decorative', I assumed that this was some sort of story stick ....a tally stick or even a carved 'obituary'.
Animalist carvings seem to include snakes, deer/antelope, turtle/tortoise, porcupine etc one could even be a 'dragon' ? Weapons ....seems to be a spear head, sword and a ball headed club.

The 'stick' has 5 sides (side view), which are all carved.....and a 'shaped peg' on one end similar to a carpenter's tenon joint but chamfered .....so not functional as a woodworking 'joint'.....so unlikely to be a part of a piece of furniture.

'stick' approximately 11" long, hardwood probably early-mid 20thC ....although could be older (depending on how it was stored)

So please any ideas as to function, use or origins greatly appreciated, Thank you

Kind Regards David

Salaams David ~ It looks old to me. Part of a church seat ? I would say mediaeval time period depicting Noahs Arc... The animals went in two by two etc.. It seems to employ an almost cuneiform cut.. very interesting. Hope you get a full answer ya .. Regards Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[katana]

Salaams Ibrahiim,
thanks for your views but I think probably African ....but not certain. Certainly interesting ....the weapon (?) 'forms' are not typical of Africa though...

Kind Regards David