An arrow of unknown origin.

[rondua]

Hi,
This arrow was among my grandfather's things. I'm looking for identification or advice on who might help to identify it.

It's 27 inches (66 cm) long and appears to have been painted after assembly.

[Tim Simmons]

Certainly looks African
.

[wildwolberine]

Certainly looks African
.

Yes, I agree with Tim. It’s similar to this Nyamwezi or Ngoni arrow (fig. D) illustrated in “Ata Epe: Bogen und Pfeile Afrikas” by Hendrik Wiethase. Possibly from what is now Tanzania or the vicinity.

Google translation:

“The arrows shown here are illustrations without more precise details from Stuhlmann's records:

A= Arrows of the A-Lur near Ssóngo (also used by the northern Lendú in Kiro's land) 50 cm long, of which the tip is 21 cm B= Two arrows from Ussambiro and West-Ussukúma. The notched wood under the iron serves to attach the poison.

C= Arrow of Ussukúma (iron held by skin envelope)

D= Arrow of the Wanyamwési and Wagóni (iron tip held by bastum winding)

The bow and quiver are from the Wakóndio, a pure Bantu original people from the intermediate lake area.”