Some Zulu? spears and a knobkerrie.

colin henshaw · 17th February 2021, 08:32 AM

Regarding the age of spears from Southern Africa. Unlike with European Arms, it is difficult to judge the age of African spears, without a collection provenance, old labels etc. In addition the style of spear could stay the same for very long periods.

However, a few pointers regarding age can be :-

a) Colour of the wood (wood darkens over time).
b) Use of modern materials in manufacture, such as aluminium or telephone wire for binding.
c) Quality of work, this tends to be lower in later times.
d) I usually think if there are file marks visible on the blade, this indicates later work.

The spears shown by Norman, all seem good old 19th century or very early 20th century examples, from the images. Regarding wirework for binding - copper, brass and steel wire (traded from Europeans) has been used on old examples. It seems however, the Zulus mainly preferred hide cow tail for attaching the blade.

Some references that can be useful :-

"Zulu Treasures" by KwaZulu Cultural and the Local History Museums. 1996
"Weapons and Implements of Savage Races" by Lieut-Col. Montague 1921
"The Natural History of Man : Africa" by Rev. J G Wood 1874

17th February 2021, 08:32 AM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Regarding the age of spears from Southern Africa. Unlike with European Arms, it is difficult to judge the age of African spears, without a collection provenance, old labels etc. In addition the style of spear could stay the same for very long periods. However, a few pointers regarding age can be :- a) Colour of the wood (wood darkens over time). b) Use of modern materials in manufacture, such as aluminium or telephone wire for binding. c) Quality of work, this tends to be lower in later times. d) I usually think if there are file marks visible on the blade, this indicates later work. The spears shown by Norman, all seem good old 19th century or very early 20th century examples, from the images. Regarding wirework for binding - copper, brass and steel wire (traded from Europeans) has been used on old examples. It seems however, the Zulus mainly preferred hide cow tail for attaching the blade. Some references that can be useful :- "Zulu Treasures" by KwaZulu Cultural and the Local History Museums. 1996 "Weapons and Implements of Savage Races" by Lieut-Col. Montague 1921 "The Natural History of Man : Africa" by Rev. J G Wood 1874