Two interesting wooden spears...from where??

colin henshaw · 5th November 2012, 02:35 PM

Thanks for the further images. However, I cannot really identify this piece - Australian Aboriginal spears I have seen are of a close-grained wood, not like this example which looks like teak ? with that pronounced stringy grain.

I'm puzzled by the scorching to the barbed head, which look as if done by a metal implement. Its true that Australian Aborigines used flat wooden tool/weapon surfaces for making fire, but I doubt if this is the case here. Also there seem to be vice and file ? marks to the wood, which is odd. The point does appear a bit blunt to make an effective weapon.

So, unfortunately I cannot say what this is with any certainty - maybe other forumites have some ideas...

Regards.

Andy Stevens · 5th November 2012, 04:11 PM

Hi Colin
Thanks for looking the spear over. I'm holding the thing in my hand as I type, and I'm none the wiser as to its origins or purpose. However, I would say that somebody put cosiderable effort into the making of spear, some of the barbs are still sharp and appear to have been capable of inflicting injury. The patterning in the wood is curious, perhaps this is a dance or ceromonial item? An interesting thing. Thanks A&K

5th November 2012, 02:35 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Thanks for the further images. However, I cannot really identify this piece - Australian Aboriginal spears I have seen are of a close-grained wood, not like this example which looks like teak ? with that pronounced stringy grain. I'm puzzled by the scorching to the barbed head, which look as if done by a metal implement. Its true that Australian Aborigines used flat wooden tool/weapon surfaces for making fire, but I doubt if this is the case here. Also there seem to be vice and file ? marks to the wood, which is odd. The point does appear a bit blunt to make an effective weapon. So, unfortunately I cannot say what this is with any certainty - maybe other forumites have some ideas... Regards.

5th November 2012, 04:11 PM	#2
Andy Stevens Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 155	Hi Colin Thanks for looking the spear over. I'm holding the thing in my hand as I type, and I'm none the wiser as to its origins or purpose. However, I would say that somebody put cosiderable effort into the making of spear, some of the barbs are still sharp and appear to have been capable of inflicting injury. The patterning in the wood is curious, perhaps this is a dance or ceromonial item? An interesting thing. Thanks A&K