Western Great Lakes Decorated Gunstock Club

mid-19th century

crafted from maple and decorated with triangular elements, a starburst, and thunderbird imagery on both sides; cast steel blade marked John Algor

length 27-1/4 inches; overall length of blade (through wood) 10-1/2 inches

Frequently engraved on the flat handle are images of mythical beings, human figures of slain enemies, and tally marks referring to specific war deeds. Mythical symbolism is most explicit on clubs originating from tribal organizations divided into dualistic divisions, associated with either sky or underworld. Gunstock clubs tend to picture images related to spiritual powers of the sky realm, such as the birds on this club. They are identified as thunderbirds by the lightning flashing from their heads.

The sun or star-like design is a sky symbol by itself, but placed behind the metal blade on several similar clubs the design may also become the eye of a raptorial bird. It seems that the native owner of this club wished to proclaim the thunderbird either as his personal guardian spirit or as the symbol of his clan. Remarkable and unique is the identical decoration on both sides of this club.

After the 1830s and the adoption of firearms the popularity of these clubs as weapons diminished, but they remained important as ceremonial batons carried by chiefs and respected war veterans, noticeable in several early portraits. Most likely this club is of Minnesota Sioux origin in the second half of the nineteenth century (Brasser: 2015).

Exhibited:
June 30-2015 - May 2016. Anishnaabek Art: Gift of the Great Lakes. Harbor Springs Area Historical Society, Harbor Spring, Michigan

Published:
Hemenway, Eric and Mary Cummings. Anishnaabek Art: Gift of the Great Lakes (2015: 9).

Property from the Estate of Robert Streett

A physical copy of Ted Brasser's essay is not included.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Danica Farnand

Vice President, Head of Department, Native American Art

[email protected]513.666.4935

Ms. Farnand has helmed the Native American Art department since its inception at Cowan's Auctions in 2003, developing it into one of the most respected and successful departments in the category. Throughout her career, Ms. Farnand has sold over $50 million in Native Art, and has created focused and curated auctions for 19th and 20th century Native works, Jewelry, and Modern and Contemporary Native and Indigenous Arts. A distinguished expert in her field, Ms. Farnand is a respected voice in the ongoing dialogue between Native American tribal groups and the collecting community regarding culturally significant objects, serving as a board member of the Authentic Tribal Art Dealers Association (ATADA) since 2019, and spearheading the effort to return a sacred Ahayu:da wooden figure to its rightful home in the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico in 2020. She has also been an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow since 2016. Ms. Farnand holds an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Cincinnati and a B.A. in Art History from John Carroll University.

Native American Art, Session I

Western Great Lakes Decorated Gunstock Club

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup