Help Identifying the Origin of this Spearhead
 

I am fairly certain this unique spearhead mounted on a simple brass ferrule is Indonesian, but hope to identify it to a more precise location. The pamor steel shape is not particularly unique, but the "magic box",(I have forgotten the name of this typically Islamic talismanic symbol) in chiseled into what also serves as a thick bolster for the blade, is unique.

Any ideas about the origins of this spearhead. The talismanic symbols alone make me assume it is from an Islamic region of Indonesia.

I'm looking forward to any input.

Hey CharlesS,

Wonderful stuff you have shown! random, off topic question; do you have Arabian spears? sorry and hope this does not derail the topic :-)

An Arab lance(and I assume you mean the super long ones) has a been a real collecting desire of mine A.Alnakkas, but I have never seen an Arabian lance offered or in anything other than period photos, drawings, and paintings.

I have sort of put that desire in the "never gonna happen" category of my collecting, along with quite a few other things!

I do not wish to derail this topic! will send you an email.

Hello Charles,

very interesting spear head, it seems that we have sometimes the same desire, I was bidding also. :shrug:
I think that this spear head is either from the North of Sumatra (Batak?) or from the Dayak, I only know items from them with this kind of talismanic inscriptions. When I have to commit myself I would go for Batak because of the ferrule. And yes, I know, both are not islamic.

Regards,
Detlef