[Jim McDougall]

Most interesting entry of the numeric five and the Hand of Fatima, which is an apotropaic defense against the evil eye. Clearly there are numerous devices and motif on weaponry which corresponds to folk religion and superstition as Colin has noted on the butt of one of the spears in the OP.

As Ibrahiim has explained, the lozenge shape on the spear butt has certain possible association with similar geometric shapes and dots in various number on many items of material culture in Arab regions. I believe the reference to the talismanic nail with the lozenge pattern had to do with placing this above the door of new home to ward off evil spirits.

With the butt of a spear, a similar application may well be that as the spear is 'planted' in the ground outside the tent with the same purpose.

Having noted the pertinence of the look into talismanic decoration found on some examples of spears, it does seem that amulet devices found on these an other weapons provides a good topic that may be pursued in depth on its own thread.

Returning to spears, a reference in "Armies of the Caliphs"
(Hugh Kennedy, 2001, p.175) says that "...we are told of spears which were 13 and 14 cubits long (6 to 7 m) but these were unusually long ones, chosen to hold banners aloft). This was the case in 7th c. but of course it is hard to say how the tradition held in various circumstances in more recent times.


It seems like one of the notable characterizations of Arab spears was their unusual length. In the same reference by Kennedy, he notes that in use of the spear there were side to side slashes, not just the thrust.