Native American accoutrements: a crook shaft?

[Russ]

Hey, all -

I finally got the La Meridiana Miniatures "Lakota Warrior" bust (BFR-31). One of the parts is what looks like a shepherd's crook. I've seen these occasionally in pictures and on shows, but it never occurred to me to wonder what it is until I'm going to model it.

I did a little internet poking around, and the closest I've found so far is that it may be a shaman's "poro". And that's it.

SO - can anyone shed any light for me on what this piece of equipment might be? TIA for any help!

 

[valiant]

"Coup stick definition, a stick with which some North American Indian warriors sought to touch their enemies in battle as a sign of courage"

 

[Russ]

@Valiant: Thanks; I had thought it might be a coup stick, but the descriptions of "coup sticks" I've found so far speak of it as a stick or switch, rather than a larger, shaped staff. The example in the kit looks to be maybe four feet or longer in scale.

I'm so confused ...

 

[valiant]

Google coup stick. There are loads of images of all different shapes and sizes.

 

[Russ]

Will do. Thanks again!

 

[Nap]

Certainly a nice bust

Look forward to seeing what you do with it

Nap

 

[Henk]

Certainly a nice bust

Look forward to seeing what you do with it

Nap

View attachment 450186

Not my usual thing, but I really, really like this sculpt. I really like his weathered, wind swept, "here is where I am" look..

Another one for the "must have one day" list........



(A list which is growing faster than my grey army...)

 

[Mirofsoft]

They speak about crooked shaft somewhere here .... but, nowadays, very interesting to read through
https://www.gusd.net/cms/lib/CA01000648/Centricity/Domain/2027/AmericanIndianMythsAndLegends.pdf

 

[Andy Garringer]

Sorry I'm so late in seeing this. Not all crooked shafts were coup sticks. A warrior didn't need a special stick (although some made them) but they could count coup with pretty much anything, their hand, shield, rifle, etc ...

This is my go to guy for anything Plains Indian related, he is also a friend. https://www.facebook.com/apache.warhorse.1

 

[dmcHobbes]

Late seeing this also. Great looking bust. Another source of info is "The Mystic Warriors of the Plains" by Thomas E. Mails. Per this reference, it could be curved society staff (like a shepherd's crook) or lance (rarely used as such). Limb was cut green, bent over and tied in place. Wrapped with otter fur and adorned with ribbons and eagle feathers. Longer version carried to identify assistant war party leaders. As Andy commented, coup stick could be anything. Hope this helps.

Doug