Often the straightness of the haft depends upon the original use of the spear itself, as well as where and when it was made.
Much of northern Africa has become severely deforested, with arrid expanses of desert bearing tribal names that translate as the "black forest" and such (and not the one in Germany! LOL! I already saw that one coming) and since wood is also the ONLY heating and cooking source, ANY stick will do as long as it's the appropriate length.
Not all of this deforestation, by the way is recent, and has been ongoing for over 2,000 years, at least partly speculated as causes for the fall of the Nubian and Egyptian kingdoms.
Hunting spears are often not as straight as we imagine because they are not intended to be thrown for great distances, with the skill of the hunter in being able to approach closely of prime importance.....even a wiggly shaft will fly straight over 30 yards or so when the weight of the head is taken into consideration.
Here are some of my spears, with the supports made out of plexiglass so as to not obstruct the view of the weaon/shaft.
Mike
|