Lot 27: Ball Headed War Club by Doran Carr

This year’s CLF Fundraising Auction will be pleased to present a quintessential example of the Native American ball headed war club. Favored for centuries, such clubs could be considered status symbols as well as weapons.

Carr’s piece is in the style of 18th century Great Lakes effigy clubs. Although many modern reproductions are simply made from plain sawn lumber, Carr’s club, true to the originals, was painstakingly carved from the root ball of a sugar maple stump. The club’s ball, the fearsome business end of the weapon, was carved from the incredibly dense wood of the root ball itself.

The club also features fascinating carved effigies. An otter is perched across the top of the club, and sports a pair of eyes made from white trade beads. The prominent carving of an Indian warrior has eyes made from coin silver, which are held in place by brass tack “pupils.” The warrior’s ear bobs are also made from coin silver with brass wire rings.

The artist has had a lifelong fascination with the history of the early frontier. “I enjoy being a student of Early American objects.” he explains, “and try to learn all that I can from them.”