Spear? Javelin? Lance?

[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.