Hi Russel
Another interesting piece. I think this belongs to that genre of Sudanese weapons and other artefacts, supposedly from the Mahdist period. The stylised acid etched "thuluth" Arabic is typical, as is brass wire inlay. Sheet iron is also often used. I've seen the following types of objects falling into this category - swords, various daggers, axes, throwing knives, maces and processional standards "alams", but never a spear such as this... I have seen the coffee pot motif on some items before.
A nice piece, congratulations. There are other examples of this genre to be found on this forum. Some ascribe these objects to the Mahdist period, however I feel that a portion of them at least, were produced post-Battle of Omdurman for sale to Europeans. Often they appear non-functional with a more decorative quality.
Regards, Colin
PS. It also has the appearance of an African spear - so possibly it could have been for use of leaders of those elements of the Mahdist army that were of black African origin. This is a theory that has been put forward in respect of throwing knives of a similar style...
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