This is an exceptional authentic 18th Century Cardinal Bird Effigy Carved war club from the Plains Native American Indians. The war club is from the estate personal collection from artist John Steuart Curry (American 1897-1946) and was purchased from his Grandson John Curry. John Steuart Curry was a famous American painter who depicted life in his home state of Kansas. John Curry’s father, son of John Steuart Curry, was offered $10,000 for the piece by Wayne Pratt. Wayne Pratt was a renowned American Folk Art and Antiques dealer from 1969 until his death in 2007 (Pratt was considered one of the most renowned and knowledgeable American Folk-art collectors and experts and was featured on Antiques Roadshow for six seasons). The war club shows a solid wood one-piece construction with tapering haft and effigy carved ball style head. The head shows an intricately detailed cardinal bird head with excellently shaped feathers, inlaid polished obisidian eyes with brass spacers. The piece shows a medium size and could have been used as a dance or ceremonial piece along with a war club or fish-striking club. The handle shows a pierced hole for a wrist throng or drop of feathers / beadwork. Provenance: From a large Billings, Montana American Indian and Cowboy folk art collection, the piece was purchased by the current owner directly from John Curry, the grandson. Comes with a handwritten note stating the above info and a custom museum gallery metal stand. Measures overall 14.5”L by 3.5”D x 2”W. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.