Rhino Horn Knobkerrie ?

[katana]

Originally Posted by David

Well David, i know very little about knobkerries and i am not at all certain about the purpose or uses of this particular stick, but i will remark that given the extreme importance of the drum in African societies i would not realyl find it all that extravagant for the stick of an important ceremonial drum to have a drum stick made of rhino horn. Certainly it's not too farfetched that a drum like the one posted below might warrant such an important striking tool.

Hi David,
I think I should have made the reason for my comment more clearly . Agreed the drum was/is important to African culture. Rhino horn has certain characteristics that make it ideal for knife / sword handles ....princibly its 'grippiness' when wet with moisture (sweat) or blood ...so for any hand-held weapon it would be useful. I had searched for any examples of drum sticks made from Rhino.....but can find no reference whatsoever. All the 'knobkerrie' shaped drumsticks I have found in various Anthropological websites are wooden. Lovely drum that you posted ...certainly deserves a 'status' drumstick.

Hi Vandoo,
thank you for your comments .....although not big ( knobkerrie envy ....is there such a thing ) it would certainly make you 'see stars' ....the very slight flex in the shaft possibly adding to the impact 'energy'. I agree ......'lucky Varmit' ....a surprised one ....never thought that this could Rhino (only had pictures and had not handled it before buying)

Thanks Colin,
I am now 90% certain this is Rhino horn ..... I cant find similar sized examples .... can anyone post some. I remember Tim had a very good example, but was much larger ( knobkerrie envy.....again )

Kind Regards David