Another 3 old African spears ...not certain as to origins

colin henshaw · 14th July 2009, 05:39 AM

Hi David

Nice old spears. I can't say from where exactly, but that stepped or "ogee" section blade often means from Zimbabwe (Mashona) or thereabouts, as does the twist of iron to the butt. The concept of a nail through the socket is sometimes seen in spears from Central Africa.

Usually socketed blades (as opposed to tanged) are from north of the Zambezi, so perhaps they are from the Zambia/Congo region...

Regards
Colin

katana · 14th July 2009, 07:33 PM

Hi Colin,
thank you very much for your informative input

Now I have a direction to 'aim' further research.

All the best
David

Wodimi · 16th July 2009, 08:48 PM

Hello David,
the work of all three spears looks a little bit crude. The Haussa spears from Nigeria have great similarities. Zimbabwe I think can't be, because all three spear points are fixed with sockets/tubes which goes over the shaft. Zimbabwe and all southern spears have this iron tang, which goes into the shaft. The iron twist you found also on Hausa spears.
Best regards
Wolf from
www.spearcollector.com

katana · 16th July 2009, 11:41 PM

Danke Wolf

,
agreed the forging is a little rough......but the balance on these spears is excellent. I suspect the smaller 'headed' spear is for hunting / fishing. The large blade possibly for large game/war. I suppose that as these are thrown... the spearhead just needs to be functional and not refined. They (the spears) definately seem to have some age.

Respekt David

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14th July 2009, 05:39 AM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Hi David Nice old spears. I can't say from where exactly, but that stepped or "ogee" section blade often means from Zimbabwe (Mashona) or thereabouts, as does the twist of iron to the butt. The concept of a nail through the socket is sometimes seen in spears from Central Africa. Usually socketed blades (as opposed to tanged) are from north of the Zambezi, so perhaps they are from the Zambia/Congo region... Regards Colin

14th July 2009, 07:33 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Colin, thank you very much for your informative input Now I have a direction to 'aim' further research. All the best David

16th July 2009, 08:48 PM	#3
Wodimi Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 75	Hello David, the work of all three spears looks a little bit crude. The Haussa spears from Nigeria have great similarities. Zimbabwe I think can't be, because all three spear points are fixed with sockets/tubes which goes over the shaft. Zimbabwe and all southern spears have this iron tang, which goes into the shaft. The iron twist you found also on Hausa spears. Best regards Wolf from www.spearcollector.com

16th July 2009, 11:41 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Danke Wolf , agreed the forging is a little rough......but the balance on these spears is excellent. I suspect the smaller 'headed' spear is for hunting / fishing. The large blade possibly for large game/war. I suppose that as these are thrown... the spearhead just needs to be functional and not refined. They (the spears) definately seem to have some age. Respekt David