ID Help On Unknown Spear

colin henshaw · 10th April 2013, 09:16 PM

Pretty sure its not Naga - they don't have that type of iron sleeve on the shaft.

Robert · 10th April 2013, 10:54 PM

Hello everyone, I believe that Jose might be right on the origin of this spear. While I cannot find a photo of this exact style of spearhead I did find a reference in Albert Van Zonneveld's book "Traditional Weapons Of The Indonesian Archipelago" on page 146 where he states;
TOHO NIAS A collective term for a variety of spears. The point varies from small to large, with near the base two more or less protruding points, or a barb on one side. The shaft's upper side usually has a conical ring of brass or iron and may be decorated with pig's or goat's hair."
While there is no example or drawing of a spearhead exactly like the one I have shown above it does seem to fall under this description. Hopefully Albert might see this thread and be kind enough to give us his opinion on this item.
As soon as this arrives I will post more photos. Thank you all for your comments and help with this.

Best,
Robert

Albert · 12th April 2013, 09:22 PM

The spear point does have a certain resemblence with a form we see in Nias, but IMO it has another provenance.

1. Most Nias spears are more refined and more slender.
2. The iron of Nias spears is better polished.
3. This type of iron sleeve is not seen on Nias.
4. The shaft of Nias spears usually is adorned in some way with woven rattan straps, or brass strips.

So, it is not likely that it is a Nias spear.
Unfortunately I do not have a clue from where this spear does come from.
Attached is a photo on which the most common types of Nias spearpoints can be seen.

Robert · 12th April 2013, 09:35 PM

Hello Albert, and thank you very much for your help and information on this piece. The photo that you added will also be of great help to me in identification of anything that I might stumble across in the future. This spear seems to be a real puzzler and I can only hope that after it arrives and I can post more information on the dimensions and some better photos that someone might be able to identify its origin. Again, thank you for your help.

Best,
Robert

Robert · 13th April 2013, 08:36 PM

I have added two more photos from the auction. I do not know if they will be of anymore help than the others have been with the identification of this piece but they can't hurt either.

Best,
Robert

12th April 2013, 09:22 PM	#3
Albert Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 200	Nias or not? The spear point does have a certain resemblence with a form we see in Nias, but IMO it has another provenance. 1. Most Nias spears are more refined and more slender. 2. The iron of Nias spears is better polished. 3. This type of iron sleeve is not seen on Nias. 4. The shaft of Nias spears usually is adorned in some way with woven rattan straps, or brass strips. So, it is not likely that it is a Nias spear. Unfortunately I do not have a clue from where this spear does come from. Attached is a photo on which the most common types of Nias spearpoints can be seen. Attached Images

10th April 2013, 09:16 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Pretty sure its not Naga - they don't have that type of iron sleeve on the shaft.

10th April 2013, 10:54 PM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello everyone, I believe that Jose might be right on the origin of this spear. While I cannot find a photo of this exact style of spearhead I did find a reference in Albert Van Zonneveld's book "Traditional Weapons Of The Indonesian Archipelago" on page 146 where he states; TOHO NIAS A collective term for a variety of spears. The point varies from small to large, with near the base two more or less protruding points, or a barb on one side. The shaft's upper side usually has a conical ring of brass or iron and may be decorated with pig's or goat's hair." While there is no example or drawing of a spearhead exactly like the one I have shown above it does seem to fall under this description. Hopefully Albert might see this thread and be kind enough to give us his opinion on this item. As soon as this arrives I will post more photos. Thank you all for your comments and help with this. Best, Robert

12th April 2013, 09:35 PM	#4
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Albert, and thank you very much for your help and information on this piece. The photo that you added will also be of great help to me in identification of anything that I might stumble across in the future. This spear seems to be a real puzzler and I can only hope that after it arrives and I can post more information on the dimensions and some better photos that someone might be able to identify its origin. Again, thank you for your help. Best, Robert

13th April 2013, 08:36 PM	#5
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I have added two more photos from the auction. I do not know if they will be of anymore help than the others have been with the identification of this piece but they can't hurt either. Best, Robert