Mahdi Spear Head?

FenrisWolf · 17th March 2007, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

they could have had a few of them as javelins, and intended them to stick in whatever they hit so they could not be removed and thrown back, the lower reversed barbs would keep it from being pushed all the way thru for removal, while the main barbs would be a bit nasty going either way. as stated, can't see them being a practical main weapon with them barbs.....

they must be fun to dust & keep oiled.........

Which is why most of the time they're covered in a nice protective lyer of cobwebs....

I have three of them, two of similar size (like this one) and one that's very much in keeping with the idea of a javelin tip, about 7" long overall with a needle-like tip and the two-directional barbs down the shaft. I'll post pics of the others later, as well as the barb-free versions....

Lew · 17th March 2007, 05:58 AM

FenrisWolf

What makes you think that this is a Sudanese spear?

Lew

FenrisWolf · 17th March 2007, 06:53 AM

That is how they were sold to me, four spear heads collected in North Africa and the Sudan, from the estate of a Texas oilman who worked over there back in the 1960s. The shape of the leaf blade is certainly reminscent of the disk pommel arm daggers from the same region.

kronckew · 17th March 2007, 08:42 AM

winston churchill of course took part in the battle of omdurman, his account is very good. see This Linky

there are references to throwing spears and wounded soldiers returning from the battle with "fish hook spears" still stuck in their bodies.

Tim Simmons · 17th March 2007, 09:48 AM

These look more like the spears from the South Sudan, not really the same folk. As in todays conflict there. They do not look typical of the Mahdist followers spears I have seen. The leaf blade part is quite similar so like with most "tribal/ethnographic" weapons drawing lines is not always a good idea.

Pukka Bundook · 17th March 2007, 03:18 PM

I can imagine recovering your spears After the battle wouldn't be much fun, ...
Be all stuck up with bits of meat and all kinds of things!

But if the aim was to create the "lions claw" effect,...just leave the thing 'loaded' for the next victim!

FenrisWolf · 17th March 2007, 05:51 PM

Here are the other three spear heads that came in the same batch:

Given the size of the army that was fielded by the Mahdi at Omduran, it's likely he had troops from all over the Sudan/North Africa, not to mention the logistics of trying to keep them all armed and ready for battle. I can't imagine a warrior about to go into battle is going to be too fussed over what part of the Sudan his spear came from, so long as it has a pointy end to stick into his opponent.

17th March 2007, 05:58 AM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	FenrisWolf What makes you think that this is a Sudanese spear? Lew

17th March 2007, 06:53 AM	#3
FenrisWolf Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 181	That is how they were sold to me, four spear heads collected in North Africa and the Sudan, from the estate of a Texas oilman who worked over there back in the 1960s. The shape of the leaf blade is certainly reminscent of the disk pommel arm daggers from the same region.

17th March 2007, 08:42 AM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,239	winston churchill of course took part in the battle of omdurman, his account is very good. see This Linky there are references to throwing spears and wounded soldiers returning from the battle with "fish hook spears" still stuck in their bodies.

17th March 2007, 09:48 AM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,875	These look more like the spears from the South Sudan, not really the same folk. As in todays conflict there. They do not look typical of the Mahdist followers spears I have seen. The leaf blade part is quite similar so like with most "tribal/ethnographic" weapons drawing lines is not always a good idea.

17th March 2007, 03:18 PM	#6
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	I can imagine recovering your spears After the battle wouldn't be much fun, ... Be all stuck up with bits of meat and all kinds of things! But if the aim was to create the "lions claw" effect,...just leave the thing 'loaded' for the next victim!

17th March 2007, 05:51 PM	#7
FenrisWolf Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 181	Here are the other three spear heads that came in the same batch: Given the size of the army that was fielded by the Mahdi at Omduran, it's likely he had troops from all over the Sudan/North Africa, not to mention the logistics of trying to keep them all armed and ready for battle. I can't imagine a warrior about to go into battle is going to be too fussed over what part of the Sudan his spear came from, so long as it has a pointy end to stick into his opponent.