A Spearhead for Comments

[efrahjalt]

Originally Posted by Araña_del_Sol

Very nice spearhead! The length is distinct but overall it looks like it might be of the Somali people or other Horn of Africa ethnic group. The fine brass wire binding on part of the socket looks like other examples I've seen from the region.

- ADS

Thanks for the comments ADS! Do you have any similar examples you could share?

[Sajen]

Here are some Somali spears which look similar.
BTW, nice spear head!

[Araña_del_Sol]

Originally Posted by efrahjalt

Thanks for the comments ADS! Do you have any similar examples you could share?

Hi, I have included a period photo showing a Somali warrior holding a couple of spears that (to my eyes) appear to have wire binding on most of the socket. I have also included a picture of a spear from my collection that has brass wire on the socket as well.

- ADS

[efrahjalt]

Yes, looks like you nailed it! Sajen, those spears are very similar in profile and only lac the faceted socket, and ADS, it looks like yours demonstrates the faceted socket variation. Thank you for the help with tracking this one down. I can also see the fine knotted wire style in your example ADS. I’d say conclusive.

Now I just need to clean it up a bit. It looks like someone used some spray paint on it at some point in its past to make it look more silver. I’ll clean it off and see how she how she looks. It’s a very thin coat, so shouldn’t be too bad to strip.