Laminated Indian Clubs Indian Clubs originated in India where they were used by the soldiers in the British Army in their various athletic drills. Their popularity as exercise equipment found its way to England and eventually to America when they were introduced in the 1860's by S.D. Kehoe, a fitness enthusiast and business man. What followed, as they say, is History! This was the beginning of America's physical fitness mania and sports clubs, gyms, and schools of the period featured Indian Club exercises. The clubs' function was not only to develop muscle and physical fitness, but many of the exercises were choreographed for their visual elegance and boldness of execution. In this context the clubs were fancifully decorated with paint or other surface treatments while even others were made of laminated woods. There are "long clubs" and "short clubs" and devotees of each. Certain routines designed for the long clubs could not be effectively accomplished with the short clubs. The "long club", when held upon the arm extended horizontally, should reach to the point of the shoulder where the arm and shoulder join. These clubs are considered by most to be the "proper" Indian Club. As stated by Alice Hoffman in her book, Indian Clubs, "The maker's ability to combine functionalism with the qualities of sculptural vigor and artistic inventiveness in the finished product is what elevates Indian Clubs to the level of folk art." Collecting Indian Clubs is still in its infancy and there are still many treasures to be found out there. We are always excited when we find clubs that are out of the ordinary and so are pleased to present these laminated Clubs which are made of Chestnut and Walnut and are considered to be "long clubs". They are 24 1/2" in length and are in their original surface showing expected "in use" wear, but not abuse. They make a very imposing appearance because of their heroic proportions and the bold graining of the multi woods is truly wonderful. The majority of Indian Clubs one encounters are generally quite plain but we were fortunate to purchase these from a long time collection and are pleased to offer a fine selection of "special" and unusual clubs for the collector or a great start for a new collector. Clubs of this quality do not come along every day. R07A06885 Questions? Ask the Ferret!
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