Club Item Number: Se150 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Slim, heavy wooden club, tapering from a deeply notched head to the grip. In section, the blade is a very flat diamond with concave faces with a central ridge on both sides. The extreme edges have been sharpened further. Very small ridges above grip serve as hand guard. Handle is a flat hexagon in section, tapering to the base, where a slightly wider pommel ends in a point. The weapon is dark brown overall, but worn at the edges of the blade and the grip to a light brown. Dark colour possibly a resin, oil, or some other stain. Probably chonta palm wood.
History Of Use
Use of the macana has been noted for some time in the region; it is perhaps a traditional weapon from pre-European contact, but archaeologically unstable medium prevents confirmation. It is used primarily in duels, particularly those over adultery, rather than warfare. Duels usually occur during male drinking parties.
Cultural Context
weapon
Item History
- Made in Peru
- Collected during 1973
- Owned by Tom A. Wylie before October 8, 1980
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Tom A. Wylie (Seller) on October 8, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- Shipibo
- Previous Owner
- Tom A. Wylie
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Tom A. Wylie (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Peru
When
- Collection Date
- during 1973
- Ownership Date
- before October 8, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on October 8, 1980
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0665/0027