The term assegai is of course mostly associated with the short stabbing spears introduced and used by the forces of Shaka Zulu (1878-1828) and actually termed iklwa. The assegai term is also designated to the South African tree Curtisa Dentata whose wood is used for spear and lance shafts.
Actually the assegai is the long throwing spear which remained in use in attack, and the iklwa, stabbing spear, was used in close quarters melee, as dictated by Shaka. The use of the term seems confusing due to the Iberian term, and seems possibly to derive from Portuguese contact, and perhaps use of the wood for these spears or lances.
Best regards,
Jim
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