Instant Ethiopian SpearCollection

[drac2k]

I recently went to a garage sale and purchased these spears.They were supposedly collected in Ethiopia, mid 20th century and I guess that is probably how old they are.I was surprised that the Ethiopians had bident spears , especially the barbed ones.The spear that I have the most interest in is the one with writing on the crossguard;I'm guessing that it was a religious processional item.
Can anyone confirm this and read the inscription?

[werecow]

Reading it is above my paygrade but at least some of the characters do resemble those in the Ge'ez alphabet.

[Bob A]

I assume the barbed spears are for fishing. Apparently it's enough of a thing to have multiple websites for piscatory travelers. Who knew?

https://fishingethiopia.com/

[wildwolberine]

Great catch! 🎣

[drac2k]

Thanks to all for your comments.

[werecow]

Just to add, the alphabet pictured above does not include characters that represent syllables. You can find a much more complete version here (https://www.omniglot.com/writing/ethiopic.htm).

EDIT: Attached image in case the website goes dead.

[ausjulius]

Nece. Yeah those are from Ethiopia. I've got a few heads of this type from an eBay seller from there back in the golden days of ebay

[drac2k]

Thanks for the website werecow; I'll get back to you when I translate the writing on my spear........in about a 100 years, LOL. I think I'll have better luck trying to find an Ethiopian to read the inscription.
I remember the good old days of Ebay myself; my nemesis was Mr.Tincan.We chased each other all over the website for the same items; we cost each other a small fortune.

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hello,
The object on the left is a monk's staff (stick).

[drac2k]

Thanks! What was the purpose of the staff?Was it processional or used in a religious context?

[Martin Lubojacky]

I think it's more or less part of the costume. However, on the internet, this item is often described as an Ethiopian praying stick.

[drac2k]

Thanks!