Please Help Identify This Spear

Rick · 19th August 2010, 02:57 PM

I wonder if it's not Cane rather than Bamboo .

Note the long segment of the shaft; wouldn't bamboo have shorter distances between joints ?

katana · 19th August 2010, 05:00 PM

Hi Texspearchucker,
welcome to the forum

There are a number of native species of bamboo that grow in Africa. I have several African spears that are 'boo shafted. Not certain as to the origins of the spear posted though. Seems a little small for an effective weapon, probably a hand held stabber....due to the short shaft...so possibly a hunting spear for small game / killing spear for a trapped (but alive) animal. Usually small spears are considered 'dance spears' but this is not always the case.

Regards David

Tim Simmons · 19th August 2010, 07:36 PM

I might have the sizes all wrong.
Is this an arrow?
I have some East african arrows with large heads also unflethed which is normal. Also seen in melanesia. Not sure about the binding?

katana · 19th August 2010, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I might have the sizes all wrong.
Is this an arrow?
I have some East african arrows with large heads also unflethed which is normal. Also seen in melanesia. Not sure about the binding?

Hi Tim,
I took the 'iron point' at 7.75" to be the spear point/blade .....now I can see that the entire metal work (barbs and shaft) is 7.75" (looking at the scale... ie 1/3 the length )

I agree, an arrow ...probably not that old. Another lesson learnt....don't quickly 'scan' a post....you may draw the wrong conclusions

Kind Regards David

19th August 2010, 02:57 PM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	I wonder if it's not Cane rather than Bamboo . Note the long segment of the shaft; wouldn't bamboo have shorter distances between joints ?

19th August 2010, 05:00 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Texspearchucker, welcome to the forum There are a number of native species of bamboo that grow in Africa. I have several African spears that are 'boo shafted. Not certain as to the origins of the spear posted though. Seems a little small for an effective weapon, probably a hand held stabber....due to the short shaft...so possibly a hunting spear for small game / killing spear for a trapped (but alive) animal. Usually small spears are considered 'dance spears' but this is not always the case. Regards David

19th August 2010, 07:36 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	I might have the sizes all wrong. Is this an arrow? I have some East african arrows with large heads also unflethed which is normal. Also seen in melanesia. Not sure about the binding?