Was it like a sign of status, like a swagger stick or a centurion's vitis, or was this style of weapon chosen for a specific reason? Would the artists of the tapestry distinguish between a club and a mace?
For those who want to see the original - see the following link to Odo on the tapestry itself:
http://www.bayeux-tapestry.org.uk/people.htm http://www.bayeux-tapestry.org.uk/odo.jpg
The club could be a devastating weapon when used against an opponent wearing Chainmaile. Where a sword would merely bounce or slide off, a club or mace can drive the rings through the protective clothing underneath and into the wearer, as well as transferring the trauma through armour far more effectively than a sword or Lance. The swords of the period had a rounded tip, made for slashing rather than piercing, thus it would be difficult to kill an armored opponent. If I remember correctly the Norman knights would throw their Lance's in the charge in an attempt to break the shieldwall, then use sword and club from that point.
Having just seen the Tapestry in Bayeux itself, the reason the museum gave was as such: Obo is a religious man who is not allowed to shed blood. He is however allowed to strike down a man. The club allows him to defeat an enemy without shedding his blood.
