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DhaDha
19th March 2025, 01:25 PM
I would love to know the origin and use of these spears/harpoons/javelins. I bought one and cleaned it up a bit. Was a little surprised how the wood changed in tone with the application of a little oil. So when the same dealer had the second a couple years later I left it as is.

They are approximately 43/44 inches in length, thick and quite heavy. Certainly from the same origin and while twins, not identical. There are notches on the shafts that are too similar to be coincidence. Perhaps for “launching” or storage. The feet are held in place with what looks like a brass/copper pin. Something that only came to light with a little rub.

This might belong in a different forum. I thought ethnographic when I had the first. Now I wonder.

Cheers!

Tim Simmons
25th March 2025, 03:02 PM
These some how do not look African to me. Somebody might know more. Asian?

DhaDha
25th March 2025, 05:28 PM
These some how do not look African to me. Somebody might know more. Asian?

A collector with an opinion I trust has suggested Vietnam as a possibility.

wildwolberine
25th March 2025, 11:35 PM
I would love to know the origin and use of these spears/harpoons/javelins. I bought one and cleaned it up a bit. Was a little surprised how the wood changed in tone with the application of a little oil. So when the same dealer had the second a couple years later I left it as is.

They are approximately 43/44 inches in length, thick and quite heavy. Certainly from the same origin and while twins, not identical. There are notches on the shafts that are too similar to be coincidence. Perhaps for “launching” or storage. The feet are held in place with what looks like a brass/copper pin. Something that only came to light with a little rub.

This might belong in a different forum. I thought ethnographic when I had the first. Now I wonder.

Cheers!
Based on the spear’s short length and construction (socketed point vs. tang) I would imagine these are South Asian or even European? I understand djerids from the Islamic world are quite short. I’m intrigued & hope someone can find other examples!

Tim Simmons
26th March 2025, 07:27 AM
I now think these are pig wild boar hunting spears.