Short Spear - like an Zulu Iklwa , but not.

[katana]

Thanks Ashoka ,
as you said very similar (very nice spear, by the way), Spearhead, on mine, is 47cms from point to base of socket. I cannot see evidence of any leather having been used to cover the shaft, but similar to yours.... it is both thin and light.
However, there are a number of 'shrinkage' cracks that have a dried 'substance' within them ......to me (using a jeweller's loupe) it looks like 'old' dried out hide glue or a similar 'organic' adhesive ....perhaps evidence that there was a covering afterall

Kind Regards David

[ashoka]

There is fabric/cotton under the leather as is usual for this kind of work, probably glued on, Maybe the reason why the shafts are so light/slender, if yours had had fabric and leather on it, it would have been a pretty regular thickness. It's Stefan not Ashoka btw

[katana]

Originally Posted by ashoka

There is fabric/cotton under the leather as is usual for this kind of work, probably glued on, Maybe the reason why the shafts are so light/slender, if yours had had fabric and leather on it, it would have been a pretty regular thickness. It's Stefan not Ashoka btw

Hi Stefan ( ),
my apologies ......the fabric 'under-covering' is a good point, the hardened 'hide' glue does seem to have fibres within it, and as you say the combined layers of fabric and leather would increase the diameter.....but would also have the benefit of strengthening the shaft also.

Kind Regards David

[Martin Lubojacky]

Enclosed please find some types of spearheads from Nigerian Sahel, also from neighbouring Cameroonian areas (and also from Chad). Following info was not verified - I just repeat what local vendors said:
The first three spearheads from the left side should be from Chad, the first one is very heavy.
The fourth from the left should be from Nigerian Adamawa.
5th (slender one) was allegedly used by "Shewa Arabs", area between Maiduguri and Maroua (also Borno state, Kanuri people).
6th - nobody knows (local "mystery", could allegedly be from Burkina Faso ?)
7th - allegedly common shape in Nigerian Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba States, the shape should be typical form northern Nigeria, common. Engravings on the blade were done by Fulani people - who also used this shape.
8th - Very common shape in Sahel, this one allegedly from Kano - Sokoto (?)
The last one - first from the right: Allegedly Tupuri people speaking Laka language, willages Durum, Durubai, Tereki (Nigerian-Cameroonian borderland).
Regards,

Martin

[katana]

Hi Martin,
nice collection of spearheads and thank you for posting them.

Kind Regards David