Spear? Javelin? Lance?

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
Atlantia round section all the way I'm afraid, David more pictures I hope this helps, Freddy interesting will pursue further, Tim I'm glad you didn't we Scots are notoriously tight fisted.
My Regards,
Norman.
P.S. Point of Balance is 26 1/2 inches from the tip.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi Guys,
Atlantia round section all the way I'm afraid, David more pictures I hope this helps, Freddy interesting will pursue further, Tim I'm glad you didn't we Scots are notoriously tight fisted.
My Regards,
Norman.
P.S. Point of Balance is 26 1/2 inches from the tip.

Thats lovely, doesn't look Maasai close up. In fact I wonder if it might not be African at all.
I'm trying to think of uses for this type of weapon and go from there.
Long and thin...
To pierce very deeply as in a harpoon for animals with blubber or lance for bison etc?
to pierce armour and deform like a roman pilum?

Its a very nice thing, is the copper binding a counterweight to balance it when hefting it to throw and in flight?

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hello,

I am of the opinnion this comes from the South Ethiopia - North Kenya region. (I brought nearly the same from Ethiopia, nevertheless I bought it from dealer and he was not sure about the origin). My idea is the iron part of this stick or weapon or status item is Maasai (or some of neighboring tribes) spear metal butt (the grooved markings should identify sub-clan of the owner/warrior), which is used secondarily here. (See African Arms and Armours by Christopher Spring, page 113). Regards,

Martin

[Tim Simmons]

Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya all share borders as does Sudan, Uganda, and not least the Congo so in this grouping around the South Sudan one can take your pick. I would say it is certainly African from the early 20th century but could be older.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Tim I'm glad you didn't we Scots are notoriously tight fisted.
My Regards,
Norman.

G'day Norman, being the son of a Scot myself, did you know the thin copper bindings and wire found on these spears was first invented by a Scotsman and a Dutchman fighting over a penny.

I hope you unearth more treasures in 2009.

Gav

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Martin,
Many thanks for remembering to post the pictures, the similarities are there as you say.

Hi Gav,
I heard the same story but it was two Aberdonians and a ha'penny. By the way my wife is very impressed with the rough tough Aussie type men as they seem to be well in touch with their 'feminine' side as here in Scotland it is still only wee girlies who like to play with 'BARBIES'.

Happy New Year to you both and may all your finds be "good uns'.
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
Found this chart, my spear looks pretty similar to the one on the left of the group tagged Dinka 1925. Also www.spearcollector.com may be useful to members with an interest in Africa.
Regards,
Norman.