Opinion about this Philippine spear

[Bill]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Are there any signs that this end may have had metal fitted on in some way here? Does it feel like you could throw this spear? i have a picture of a fellow holding one as if to throw but he is posing for the camera.

Tim, The Luzon spears do have metal spikes on the end, used in climbing. These spears were used for ceremonial or head hunting. The multi-barbed ones are often refered to as ceremonial. Hunting spears (throwing) are without the barbs & an example is Plate 6, spear 10 from Ian's link. Pictures of headhunting victims show the backs of their legs with multiple lacerations. My guess it's from being hooked with these spears. The mountain tribe shields also had 3cm wood strips attached with ratten on either side. My guess is that they were for "break-away" if hooked by one of these spears.