iron spear indian ?

[colin henshaw]

These spears seem a bit atypical for African weapons, in fact they remind me more of European polearms, such as the "Langue de Boeuf"...

[Iain]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

These spears seem a bit atypical for African weapons, in fact they remind me more of European polearms, such as the "Langue de Boeuf"...

Given the Portuguese trading post and fort established on the coast since 1495 that seems quite plausible.

Similar perhaps to the complex hilt swords seen in coastal Congo from the same influences.

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by Iain

Given the Portuguese trading post and fort established on the coast since 1495 that seems quite plausible.

Similar perhaps to the complex hilt swords seen in coastal Congo from the same influences.

Yes, good point Iain. Sometimes we tend to forget how early these contacts were made, on the coastal areas at least. I wonder if any others have views on this interesting topic of European influence on West African traditional weapons, or examples to post ?

[Edster]

Very nice spear! I have no idea where it may be from. However, an interesting and perhaps diagnostic feature is that the smaller outer blades appear to be a separate piece that slides over the central blade. This was probably done when red hot and the hole contracted and held it in place on the central blade as it cooled. Is that unique or a feature of other spears? None of the other examples shown seem to share it.

Just a thought,
Ed