Indian (?) Ceremonial Spear for ID
 

The nature of our hobby is such that every once in a while we acquire pieces, for which we know little or nothing. Fortunately, the collective knowledge of the members of this forum has left very few pieces unidentified, and I am hoping someone would know what this is.

To me it looks like a spear or purely ceremonial nature. The top is brass, and unscrews from the steel part of the haft. The only similar item I was able to find is among the sold inventory of Oriental Arms:

http://oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=2443

The question is where is this from, and what was it used for? All comments are much appreciated.

Thank you,
Teodor

WITHOUT THE SECOND EXAMPLE ON ORIENTAL ARMS I WOULD HAVE SAID IT WAS A WORK OF MODERN ART AND LIKELY SERVED NO OTHER PURPOSE. PERHAPS THE FIRST SONIC SCREWDRIVER OF THE INDIAN VERSION OF DOCTOR WHO. :D
HOWEVER WITH TWO EXAMPLES THAT ARE NOT EXACTLY ALIKE THERE MUST BE SOME PURPOSE AND FUNCTION FOR THESE OBJECTS. WITH ANY LUCK ARTZI MAY HAVE FOUND OUT WHAT THEY ARE OR FAILING THAT PERHAPS SOME MEMBER MAY HAVE THE KNOWLEGE. A INTERESTING ITEM, GOOD LUCK

Hi

I can recall one of these for sale in a well-known catalogue, several years ago. From the construction, with the attached hooks and prongs, plus screw thread, I think its most likely from India somewhere.

My guess its a parade or cult item, and the hooks were probably for the attachment of some type of banners or other decorative elements...

Regards.

Barry and Colin,

Thank you for your comments. I agree that this is most likely a ritual item from the Indian subcontinent. Hopefully, more examples will surface and eventually, those will be properly identified.

Teodor