Dance/prestige wooden spear origin

Tim Simmons · 17th March 2016, 08:25 PM

Long standing members probably know that I like this sort of thing. Just received this piece. Sadly it has been in the hands of a collector in the past, the era when they used to drill holes in clubs and other wood artifacts to stand then on a pin stand. My fist impression is that it is African but it could be from places like the Solomon Islands. The use of a file not only as a tool to help form the item, but also to add a decorative finish. Reminds me of some African bladed weapons. However the spear part does make me question an African origin a little. 65cm long. I show it next to a piece I have high regard for, which also has a mystery origin. I like the miniature coconut top.

colin henshaw · 18th March 2016, 09:13 AM

With the ball end, and those carved rings (features sometimes found on spear shafts), I'm going to vote for Southern African, maybe the Zimbabwe or Malawi area ? Likely for dance/display purposes. I agree the multi barbs are atypical for African work.

17th March 2016, 08:25 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,736	Dance/prestige wooden spear origin Long standing members probably know that I like this sort of thing. Just received this piece. Sadly it has been in the hands of a collector in the past, the era when they used to drill holes in clubs and other wood artifacts to stand then on a pin stand. My fist impression is that it is African but it could be from places like the Solomon Islands. The use of a file not only as a tool to help form the item, but also to add a decorative finish. Reminds me of some African bladed weapons. However the spear part does make me question an African origin a little. 65cm long. I show it next to a piece I have high regard for, which also has a mystery origin. I like the miniature coconut top. Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 18th March 2016 at 08:08 AM.

18th March 2016, 09:13 AM	#2
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	With the ball end, and those carved rings (features sometimes found on spear shafts), I'm going to vote for Southern African, maybe the Zimbabwe or Malawi area ? Likely for dance/display purposes. I agree the multi barbs are atypical for African work.