Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


153 - African Congo Javelin (Throwing Spear), late 19th to early 20th Century

Lew cataloged this lightweight javelin (throwing spear) as intended for hunting and from the African Congo, circa 1890 to 1900. The narrow, leaf-shaped blade is 10¼ inches (26 cm) long with a low midrib on either face and several forging imperfections on the faces. A socket or ferrule has been formed from spirally wrapped iron. The narrow wooden shaft has several small brass inlays near iron bound area. The spike butt end is covered by a spirally wrapped bronze strip bordered by a further length of spirally wrapped wire. One side appears to have been more cleaned than the other. Overall length is just under 48¾ inches (123.5 cm) with a weight of just under 9½ ounces (273 grams).




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