Macana

109. A large club with engraved designs. 19th century.

Macanas were carved from specially chosen hardwood that could deliver a death-dealing blow. The surfaces were highly polished then lightly incised with figurative or (as with this example) geometric motifs.
The clubs were prestigious and treasured possessions used in dance and ritual as well as for fighting.

42.5cm tall 9.8cm across the base.

Guyana.