Strange African Spear?

Tim Simmons · 16th February 2006, 07:25 PM

Lew, I am just thinking aloud. Judging from the pristine nature of the metal and most of all the skin on the handle, this is surely a piece of chiefly regalia or scepter. It might also have been a military commanders baton or something like that. It is wonderful . I do not see it as a Mahdist item, the south Sudan seems good to me. A precise location can be a problem on many African pieces that were often considered inferior or at worst junk and little care was taken with documentation untill the mid 20th cent. Great find. Tim

16th February 2006, 07:25 PM	#9
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Lew, I am just thinking aloud. Judging from the pristine nature of the metal and most of all the skin on the handle, this is surely a piece of chiefly regalia or scepter. It might also have been a military commanders baton or something like that. It is wonderful . I do not see it as a Mahdist item, the south Sudan seems good to me. A precise location can be a problem on many African pieces that were often considered inferior or at worst junk and little care was taken with documentation untill the mid 20th cent. Great find. Tim