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#1 |
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Location: Kent
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I have just bought this spearhead, 12" length, the style seems to be North African, I know I have seen this style used on examples of arrow head. It is quite ornate, in that there are diagonal, crosshatching and crosses delicately stamped on the shaft. Surely too ornate for a hunting spear, but too lethal for a ceremonial one? I certainly wouldn't want this thrown at me, those barbs !??!
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#2 |
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Hello katana,
It certainly is North African. I think Nuer from southern Sudan. Here is a good link to the Pitt Rivers museum collection. http://southernsudan.prm.ox.ac.uk/qu...Spear&offset=0 Tim Last edited by Tim Simmons; 17th March 2006 at 05:57 PM. |
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#3 |
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Thanks Tim, what an interesting site
![]() Although there are no barbs on the Dinka Tuich spear it is quite similar Last edited by katana; 17th March 2006 at 06:19 PM. |
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#4 |
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For all I know "Nuer" may well be part of the Dinka people. The thing is that we are able to indentify the region and people, maybe not the exact sub-group. Tim
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#5 |
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Yes you're right, I am new to African weaponry, and I am becoming more aware of the difficulties in tying weapons with particular tribes/groups. Your help and understanding is greatly appreciated.
In your opinion, is this spearhead an uncommon find or are they generally easily acquired. There appears to be some age evident, as it has a nice patina, but how old... I have no idea. thanks again |
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#6 |
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I would be lying if I said they were rare, good examples of the any kind of spear, often considered part of a mans dress not just a weapon are always uncommon. Tim
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#7 |
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In "Waffen aus Zentral-Africa" one is described has maybe Mangbetu.
Luc |
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#8 |
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Yes looks that way; I believe the Mangbetu also inhabit areas of the sothern Sudan.
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