Unusual Masai/Maasai? Spear

colin henshaw · 3rd February 2014, 06:26 PM

There are a few of these around - usually the metal parts quite crudely made, sometimes with bits of leopard fur round the shaft, plus coloured leatherwork. I think they were mainly made for sale to Europeans, perhaps early-mid 20th century ? I've heard it said they emanated from the Sierra Leone area ??

But the head on this example looks as if it comes from a recent Masai spear from East Africa, and does not belong.

Regards.

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3rd February 2014, 06:26 PM	#6
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	There are a few of these around - usually the metal parts quite crudely made, sometimes with bits of leopard fur round the shaft, plus coloured leatherwork. I think they were mainly made for sale to Europeans, perhaps early-mid 20th century ? I've heard it said they emanated from the Sierra Leone area ?? But the head on this example looks as if it comes from a recent Masai spear from East Africa, and does not belong. Regards.