Elegant light spear head from Ethiopia - just for pleasure

[Martin Lubojacky]

Length 53 cms, light but strong, nicely and carefully forged. Old "patina".

[Iain]

Very nice Martin, do you know what ethnic group this may be from?

[Martin Lubojacky]

I don´t know. It is really old. The faceting of trunk could be reference to Sudan. Precise work and central rib with pans could show Somal or old Amhara ...

[roanoa]

Hi. Martin. Very nice spear head. I am posting this dagger for your comments. Cheers, RON

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hi Roanoa,
The handle built-up from pieces of horn is typical for several parts of Ethiopia (Harerge, Bale, Shewa and some parts in the south). The shape of guard and pommel is, I think, atypical - I have never seen it. The blade is also strange. But I can see somevcontemporary "developments" in Ethiopia, new designs ....
Best
Martin

[CharlesS]

Some of the spears from this region are among the most elegant and well made in Africa. I am especially fond of the elongated tapered spearheads like the one you have shown us.

Thanks for sharing.