Assegai
Recently purhased at auction an African Assegai up for comment.
Catalogue description:
Late 19th century Zulu assegai spear, double edged leaf shape blade with offset central rib. Polished wooden shaft with decorated top securing band.
My stats:
Weight: 12.7oz (0.36kg)
Length overall: 49.25'' (125cm) Blade: (to start of securing band) 10'' (25.5cm)
PoB: 16.5'' (42cm) from blade tip.
I always take Zulu attributions with a pinch of salt I'm not sure if anything about this spear shouts Zulu! It is certainly not the iconic iklwa but seems to be a combination stabbing and throwing spear. I find the spear head interesting in that it has a propeller like cross section rather than the more usual diamond with central rib. I've tried to illustrate this in the pictures. So some questions... Zulu or not?...likely date?...is the construction of the spearhead unusual? Thanks in advance, all help and comments gratefully received.
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