Native American carved wooden ceremonial club
A root-club — a type of Native American club made from a single tree root, with the natural burl or root mass carved into an animal or spirit head. Not sure of age. The “head” end (thicker part with protrusions) would have been the root burl, often carved into stylized animal forms such as bird, bear, wolf, or dragon-like spirit creatures. The shaft (handle) is decorated with geometric incisions, sometimes representing clan symbols or stylized serpent forms. The size (~12") suggests this may have been ceremonial or decorative rather than a full-length combat club (those were often 18–30").
Approximately 12" long
Other
Yes
Hello, this item is a Native American carved wooden ceremonial club, approximately 12 inches long, made from a single tree root. The natural burl forms the head of the club, while the shaft is decorated with incised geometric patterns and stylized motifs that may represent clan symbols or spiritual iconography. The carving displays craftsmanship typical of ceremonial or decorative root clubs used among Plains and Great Lakes tribes, where natural wood forms were adapted into symbolic effigies rather than for combat use. The dark patina and surface wear suggest significant age and handling, likely indicating 19th to early 20th century production.
The size and intricacy of this carving align with pieces intended for ritual or symbolic display, not warfare. Comparable examples of small ceremonial or effigy clubs of similar age and quality have been auctioned in the range of 800 to 1,200 USD, depending on provenance and tribal attribution. Given the club’s preserved surface detail and traditional aesthetic, it would likely attract interest from collectors of ethnographic and Native North American ritual artifacts.
