Short African spear for I.D

Royston · 31st July 2014, 02:34 PM

Can anyone identify this.

I am thinking Zulu / Matabele, but who would have used it for what ?

Wooden with brass wire. 8" Blade.

Anyone recognise the plant

As usual, all comments appreciated.

Regards
Roy

Battara · 1st August 2014, 02:07 AM

Actually I was thinking the same thing, but for ceremonial use?

Shakethetrees · 1st August 2014, 05:25 AM

I concur.

The wire work is unmistakable, the wood looks correct and exactly two tone as I have seen on several others I owned in the past, and there is a subtle notch at the base of the blade that most, if not all, Zulu assegai possess.

I would think its early to mid 20th century, as it does not appear to have the smooth wear/patina of earlier pieces.

Royston · 2nd August 2014, 02:38 PM

Thanks for that Gentlemen,

Any further comments ?

Regards
Roy

31st July 2014, 02:34 PM	#1
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	Short African spear for I.D Can anyone identify this. I am thinking Zulu / Matabele, but who would have used it for what ? Wooden with brass wire. 8" Blade. Anyone recognise the plant As usual, all comments appreciated. Regards Roy Attached Images

1st August 2014, 02:07 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	Actually I was thinking the same thing, but for ceremonial use?

1st August 2014, 05:25 AM	#3
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	I concur. The wire work is unmistakable, the wood looks correct and exactly two tone as I have seen on several others I owned in the past, and there is a subtle notch at the base of the blade that most, if not all, Zulu assegai possess. I would think its early to mid 20th century, as it does not appear to have the smooth wear/patina of earlier pieces.

2nd August 2014, 02:38 PM	#4
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	Thanks for that Gentlemen, Any further comments ? Regards Roy