Prestige Zulu Wire-Bound Knobkerrie (Iwisa)

• Region: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Material: Dense Indigenous Hardwood, Hand-Drawn Metal Wire
• Circa: Late 19th / Early 20th Century
• Length: 67 cm (Approx. 26.4 in)
• Head Weight: Significantly heavy/solid core

Provenence: The significance of this piece is heightened by its distinguished provenance, tracing through two of the most respected names in the field of African and Tribal Art:

• The Seymour Lazar Collection (Palm Springs): A legendary collector known for his discerning eye for form, surface, and rarity. His collection was renowned for pieces that showcased the “essence” of a culture’s aesthetic.
• The Norman Hurst Collection (Cambridge, MA): A prominent dealer and scholar whose expertise in African material culture ensured that only pieces of high ethnographic integrity and historical importance were acquired.
• Auction History: featured at Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
  

Condition Report: The piece is in superb ethnographic condition. The metal wire binding remains remarkably tight and intact, with only a light, attractive oxidation that confirms its age. The head is free of major structural splits, maintaining its original solid density and smooth profile.

Overview

This iwisa is a quintessential example of the “Prestige” Zulu style, where the raw, utilitarian power of a heavy-headed club is elevated through meticulous ornamentation. It features a formidable, solid hardwood head and is distinguished by its extensive, finely executed metal wire binding—a hallmark of high-status ownership and master craftsmanship.

The “Solid-Core” Head

The head of this piece is exceptionally solid and heavy, carved into a smooth, slightly ovoid sphere.

• Tactile Mass: Unlike the multi-chambered varieties, this is a “true” knobkerrie, designed with a significant weight-forward balance that emphasizes its historical role as a weapon of authority.
• Surface Condition: The wood exhibits a warm, glowing chestnut-to-chocolate patina. Fine age-related character marks on the surface speak to its long history as a carried object of status rather than a modern reproduction.

Iconic Intricate Wire-Work

The defining feature of this example is the triple-banded metal wire-work that encompasses the shaft.

• Craftsmanship: The bands consist of hundreds of individual turns of hand-drawn wire, expertly tensioned and woven directly onto the wood. This technique was not merely decorative; it provided a superior non-slip grip and reinforced the structural integrity of the shaft.
• Rhythmic Contrast: The textured, matte appearance of the metal provides a stunning visual and tactile contrast against the glass-smooth, dark hardwood of the exposed shaft sections.

The Tapered Shaft & Foot

The shaft is straight and expertly tapered, terminating in a flat-cut foot. The proportions between the thick, wire-wrapped neck and the slender lower shaft demonstrate the classic Zulu aesthetic of balanced aggression. The wood at the base shows deeper darkening, consistent with being held or rested against the ground during courtly gatherings.

Curatorial Note

Wire-bound  This specific piece stands out for its “heft”—the sheer density of the head combined with the precision of the wire-work makes it a powerful statement piece for any serious collection of Southern African weaponry.