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8th February 2008, 12:57 AM | #1 |
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3 More African Spears ...Congo ??
Hi
please could someone tell me the spears origin...I believe from the Congo. Sellers pictures below, interesting handle/spear butt. OAL 57"-58" Thank you Regards David |
8th February 2008, 12:37 PM | #2 |
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Nice pieces, David.
The one with the bulbous shaft is definitively from Northwestern Congo. These were found amongst several tribes, such as : Ngbandi, Bati, Benge, Poto, Ngombe, Gens d'Eau. Although I must say that the blade of this spear makes me think of another origin (So, Olombo and Lokele from Northeastern Congo). But it could well be that a Northeastern blade found its way to another area. The one with the slender blade looks Eastafrican to me. The third one is a bit of a puzzle. It has a strange blade. Did you buy these pieces ? If so, perhaps you could send some better pics when they arrive. |
8th February 2008, 03:58 PM | #3 |
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Hi Freddy ,
thank you for the reply.....your excellent knowledge of Congolese weapons has been very helpful The spear with the 'handle'....is this a stabbing type or ceremonial ? Yes I have bought them, once they have arrived I will certainly post better pictures / description. Kind Regards David |
8th February 2008, 04:28 PM | #4 |
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The one with the 'bulb' is defintively a thrusting spear. These were used to stab through the wicker shield of the opponent. This type of spear always has a very massive spearhead.
The blade type of your spear is somewhat different, but I wouldn't be bothered with that. Here are some spear from my collection which have similar shafts. I also added a couple of pics from the book 'Waffen aus Zentral-Afrika' (Weapons from Central Africa) from the Ethnographic Museum in Frankfurt am Main (Germany). You can notice that these have the same 'butt'. |
8th February 2008, 07:59 PM | #5 |
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Thanks for the additional info Freddy,
very nice spears....I especially like the spear with the 'diamond' shaped butt. David |
20th February 2008, 06:39 PM | #6 |
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Spears have arrived, very pleased with the thrusting spear, seems quite old. The other Congo spear is of all iron construction, heavy-ish and plain. I assume that this particular one is another thrusting type. The surface patina suggests great age and use, the entire shaft is forged (not re-bar) I can see no evidence that there were any bindings for a handle. The third spear is a nice light throwing spear with a very nice balance, and a nicely patinated wooden shaft.
Below are some pictures of the two Congo Spears. I wondered whether the carving on the 'smaller' bulbous area had any significance to tribe or status......or perhaps Talismatic. Comments / suggestions gratefully received Regards David |
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