African Poison arrows and quiver

Jim McDougall · 29th January 2008, 10:42 PM

This has indeed proven a lively topic Kirsten, and hope the notes posted here will provide useful data to add to the research you are doing. I would really like to hear more as your project develops, and you are fortunate if you have access to the valuable resources at Pitt-Rivers.

I wonder if the clay like substance on the shaft might have been intended as an absorbant to hold the poison?

Norman, thank you for the information on European use of poison in hunting. It does seem that Spain held on to weapons and traditions much longer than most European countries, and it seems even used plug bayonets well into the 19th century. The suggestion of the use of poison in European swords and daggers has always intrigued me, and I've often wondered just how much of it was true and how much was simply hyperbole.

The wrapping of the segment of shaft holding the poison seems like a very plausible way to prevent accidental removal or inadvertant self poisoning as you suggest. It seems like one of the Tanzanian poison arrows I saw in one of the references was wrapped with something in this manner.

All best regards,
Jim

29th January 2008, 10:42 PM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	This has indeed proven a lively topic Kirsten, and hope the notes posted here will provide useful data to add to the research you are doing. I would really like to hear more as your project develops, and you are fortunate if you have access to the valuable resources at Pitt-Rivers. I wonder if the clay like substance on the shaft might have been intended as an absorbant to hold the poison? Norman, thank you for the information on European use of poison in hunting. It does seem that Spain held on to weapons and traditions much longer than most European countries, and it seems even used plug bayonets well into the 19th century. The suggestion of the use of poison in European swords and daggers has always intrigued me, and I've often wondered just how much of it was true and how much was simply hyperbole. The wrapping of the segment of shaft holding the poison seems like a very plausible way to prevent accidental removal or inadvertant self poisoning as you suggest. It seems like one of the Tanzanian poison arrows I saw in one of the references was wrapped with something in this manner. All best regards, Jim