The object is a replica of an ancient style of Potawatomi war club, known as a bgemagen, created by Tribal member Bud Onzahwah. Crafted from wood, stone and leather, it historically ergonomic design eased storage, travel and use during battle.
Pre-dating the use of firearms and used continually after their introduction, Potawatomi used and refined a battle tactic commonly known as volley fire to maximize enemy casualties. Implementing the tactic, Potawatomi wédasé [warriors] would ambush their enemies, firing a simultaneous shower of either arrows or rounds into the center of the unsuspecting formation. Once initial surprise and disorder was achieved, wédasé would charge the enemy, engaging in hand-to-hand combat using their war clubs.
