Featured is a Wabanaki Penobscot Hand-Carved Polychrome Root Club,early vintage circa 1950-1970's. As a North American First Nations confederacy of five principal Eastern Algonquian nations, the Wabanaki Confederacy has been historically located in the areas of northern New England as well as the eastern Canadian Maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. Very much a part of Wabanaki traditions going back centuries or more, root clubs were made from the root bundles of immature birch trees. The carver would sharpen and shape the roots into points, adding human, spirit and or animal faces on the root ball. The shaft of the root becomes a handle and is decorated with small cuts, the technique known as chip carving. The Penobscot people are known for utilizing chip carving for decorating. This root club features a carved depiction of a Native in polychrome feathered headdress and hair adornments, the shaft handle has chip carvings on all sides in feather, wheat and shield designs, the exposed bark base also painted. This is a beautiful example of centuries old artisanship that has continued until today. The root club is in very good preserved condition displaying the intricate chip carvings. Measures 6"W x 26"L, weight is 1lb, 10oz.