Incised Mallet/Club From Africa?

[katana]

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

Katana

I think it is some type or pestle or not cracker the bottom is flattened and shows wear. Look at the picture in the auction.

Hi Lew,
I had noticed the wear to the bottom area, but also noticed that the head seems to have a slightly flattened face, a pestle would normally be perfectly round (cross section). As the handle section seems 'turned' (on a lathe ?) and round ...this 'flattened' section seems deliberate and I thought 'mallet'. A pestle also usually has a 'flared' handle so that it is comfortable to apply downward pressure as you 'grind' ... your one tapers.

Having said all that, the use of a pestle to prepare softer vegetation, herbs etc for medicine, tonics etc could be done with such an implement, but feel that the lower section would be highly stained with the oils released from the plants after regular use.

Regards David