- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Stories
Lot 43:
Description
African knobkerrie or rungu club, traditionally hand-carved from a single piece of dark-stained hardwood. The weapon features a long, slightly tapered shaft terminating in a heavy, offset spherical head. The head displays a prominent circular section of lighter-colored sapwood or heartwood, utilized by the carver to create a natural eye-like decorative pattern. The shaft flares at the grip end into a rounded pommel with a slight terminal point. The surface exhibits fine linear striations and a polished finish consistent with traditional smoothing techniques and handling. 16 3/4" L x 2 3/4" W x 3 1/2" D.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Condition report:
The club is in good ethnographic condition with wear consistent with age and use. A vertical hairline age crack is visible on the upper portion of the spherical head. The shaft and head show scattered light surface scratches, small nicks, and minor abrasions throughout. The dark finish shows light smoothing and minor loss at the high points of the head and the base of the pommel.
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