All Iron Lance Of The Dogon or Mossi People of West Africa

CharlesS · 19th August 2018, 04:27 PM

I picked up this strange, but elegant, all iron lance whose features seem to identify it as Dogon(Mali) or Mossi(Burkina Faso). The lance is just short of 7ft, with a blade that is 14.5in. long and 5.5in. at its widest point. The blade is decorated at the base with brass ornaments.

Iron lances or spears are not uncommon to West Africa, but normally they are of a weight and balance that allows them to be used mounted, as lances, or be thrown as spears. This one is far too heavy to throw and would have to be used as a mounted warrior's lance. It may be a status, or ceremonial, polearm.

It's most strange feature is the unusual hook beneath the blade. I have no idea as to why it is there but would love any serious input on its possible purpose.

Tim Simmons · 19th August 2018, 06:46 PM

Very nice.

colin henshaw · 19th August 2018, 08:26 PM

Unusual and interesting. The shaft seems to have elements from European metal object(s) in its making. Don't know what the hook is for, maybe the attachment of decorations or streamers. It could also have been part of an original European iron object that was retained ?

I would guess the spear was for parade/display purposes.

Oliver Pinchot · 21st August 2018, 05:18 PM

That is one fine doggone spear, Charles

19th August 2018, 04:27 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	All Iron Lance Of The Dogon or Mossi People of West Africa I picked up this strange, but elegant, all iron lance whose features seem to identify it as Dogon(Mali) or Mossi(Burkina Faso). The lance is just short of 7ft, with a blade that is 14.5in. long and 5.5in. at its widest point. The blade is decorated at the base with brass ornaments. Iron lances or spears are not uncommon to West Africa, but normally they are of a weight and balance that allows them to be used mounted, as lances, or be thrown as spears. This one is far too heavy to throw and would have to be used as a mounted warrior's lance. It may be a status, or ceremonial, polearm. It's most strange feature is the unusual hook beneath the blade. I have no idea as to why it is there but would love any serious input on its possible purpose. Attached Images

19th August 2018, 06:46 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	Very nice.

19th August 2018, 08:26 PM	#3
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Unusual and interesting. The shaft seems to have elements from European metal object(s) in its making. Don't know what the hook is for, maybe the attachment of decorations or streamers. It could also have been part of an original European iron object that was retained ? I would guess the spear was for parade/display purposes.

21st August 2018, 05:18 PM	#4
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 457	That is one fine doggone spear, Charles