African spears

The Double D · 2nd June 2007, 06:09 PM

From what little exposure I have had to Masai Spears two of these, the bottom two appear to me to be Masai.

Quite nice at that. My guess the third oneis from the same region.

Tim Simmons · 2nd June 2007, 06:27 PM

Yes I think they are certainly from East Africa, but are used over a huge region of that part of Africa. I always have room for more.

Jim McDougall · 3rd June 2007, 03:53 PM

Hi Cogito!
Welcome to the forum, and thank you for posting these

I hope you'll keep posting and join in on the discussions here.

I agree with Double D, I recognize the example with the elongated spatulate blade and median ridge as distinctly Maasai.

I am curious on the distinct form of these Maasai blades, which is also the same as their sword, the 'seme'. It seems essentially that the spear is mounted with the sword blade, though altered in degree. I have often wondered about the spatulate form blade, which seems distinct among most African blade forms. Is it possible that the form may have developed from the blades seen on many Indian swords such as early khanda or the swords known as 'pattisa'?
There was of course prevalent trade from India's Malabar Coast to ports in East Africa, and trade into the interior of course entered Kenyan regions in quest for ivory among other commodities. Possibly the Maasai and neighboring tribes acquired examples of the Indian swords and adopted the blade form?

Best regards,
Jim

Cogito · 4th June 2007, 08:50 PM

Interesting. You guys think the two lower spears are both Maasai? I have seen examples of the heavy one called "Maasai lion spears" in other places. I guess I had not considered the possibly that the same tribe would make two such different styles of spears. Obviously the one with the smaller blade is much lighter and could be thrown much farther. The heavy one is over 5 pounds and 7 feet long! The spearhead blade could almost pass for a sword, the blade itself is almost 47 inches long, with a "handle" or mounting base that is another 4 inches in length. Here are a couple more pix. Any ideas on the top one? I've not seen that blade style anywhere else.

RomaRana · 5th June 2007, 05:38 AM

The top spear is a “Purkko Maasai type.” But that is not to say that only the Purkko Maasai use it.

I am preparing an in-depth explanation of spear typology and the cultural synthesis of Bantu sword and Maasai spear for you. I am away from home and my notes so it will take a few days for my reply.

Tim Simmons · 5th June 2007, 08:10 AM

I have just accquired this very interesting spear. The seller described it as kikuyu. I am not sure this is the case. I think it may well be from the Congo. When it arrives I will show why. For the time being this picture will have to do.

Jim McDougall · 5th June 2007, 12:55 PM

It is well established that weapons do not necessarily remain within geographic boundaries nor tribal groups or cultural spheres. It is certainly possible, often even likely that though certain forms are associated with a certain tribe, a degree of them will be diffused to surrounding groups.

Roma Rana, I very much look forward to more on the spear typology and Bantu sword development. It seems any in depth discussion of these weapons is lacking here, though there have of course been occasional notes which I cant recall at the moment.

Tim, looking forward to your observations on that spear!!

All best regards,
Jim

Cogito · 7th June 2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RomaRana

The top spear is a “Purkko Maasai type.” But that is not to say that only the Purkko Maasai use it.

I am preparing an in-depth explanation of spear typology and the cultural synthesis of Bantu sword and Maasai spear for you. I am away from home and my notes so it will take a few days for my reply.

By "top spear" do you mean the one on the left side of the photos in post #5? If so, then it would appear that ALL of these are Maasai spears of different design? I had not expected this, very surprising indeed.

Cogito · 11th June 2007, 06:38 PM

Since these 3 spears are all very different in length, weight, blade size, etc., would that be because they are meant to be used for certain specific types of hunting or game? Sort of like picking your shot size in shotgun shells depending on what you're expecting to shoot? Or would this just be the individual preference in that particular tribe or area?

4th June 2007, 08:50 PM	#4
Cogito Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 9	Interesting. You guys think the two lower spears are both Maasai? I have seen examples of the heavy one called "Maasai lion spears" in other places. I guess I had not considered the possibly that the same tribe would make two such different styles of spears. Obviously the one with the smaller blade is much lighter and could be thrown much farther. The heavy one is over 5 pounds and 7 feet long! The spearhead blade could almost pass for a sword, the blade itself is almost 47 inches long, with a "handle" or mounting base that is another 4 inches in length. Here are a couple more pix. Any ideas on the top one? I've not seen that blade style anywhere else. Attached Images

2nd June 2007, 06:09 PM	#1
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	From what little exposure I have had to Masai Spears two of these, the bottom two appear to me to be Masai. Quite nice at that. My guess the third oneis from the same region.

2nd June 2007, 06:27 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,842	Yes I think they are certainly from East Africa, but are used over a huge region of that part of Africa. I always have room for more.

3rd June 2007, 03:53 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Hi Cogito! Welcome to the forum, and thank you for posting these I hope you'll keep posting and join in on the discussions here. I agree with Double D, I recognize the example with the elongated spatulate blade and median ridge as distinctly Maasai. I am curious on the distinct form of these Maasai blades, which is also the same as their sword, the 'seme'. It seems essentially that the spear is mounted with the sword blade, though altered in degree. I have often wondered about the spatulate form blade, which seems distinct among most African blade forms. Is it possible that the form may have developed from the blades seen on many Indian swords such as early khanda or the swords known as 'pattisa'? There was of course prevalent trade from India's Malabar Coast to ports in East Africa, and trade into the interior of course entered Kenyan regions in quest for ivory among other commodities. Possibly the Maasai and neighboring tribes acquired examples of the Indian swords and adopted the blade form? Best regards, Jim

5th June 2007, 05:38 AM	#5
RomaRana Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 58	The top spear is a “Purkko Maasai type.” But that is not to say that only the Purkko Maasai use it. I am preparing an in-depth explanation of spear typology and the cultural synthesis of Bantu sword and Maasai spear for you. I am away from home and my notes so it will take a few days for my reply. Last edited by RomaRana; 5th June 2007 at 05:49 AM.

5th June 2007, 08:10 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,842	I have just accquired this very interesting spear. The seller described it as kikuyu. I am not sure this is the case. I think it may well be from the Congo. When it arrives I will show why. For the time being this picture will have to do.

5th June 2007, 12:55 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	It is well established that weapons do not necessarily remain within geographic boundaries nor tribal groups or cultural spheres. It is certainly possible, often even likely that though certain forms are associated with a certain tribe, a degree of them will be diffused to surrounding groups. Roma Rana, I very much look forward to more on the spear typology and Bantu sword development. It seems any in depth discussion of these weapons is lacking here, though there have of course been occasional notes which I cant recall at the moment. Tim, looking forward to your observations on that spear!! All best regards, Jim

11th June 2007, 06:38 PM	#9
Cogito Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 9	Since these 3 spears are all very different in length, weight, blade size, etc., would that be because they are meant to be used for certain specific types of hunting or game? Sort of like picking your shot size in shotgun shells depending on what you're expecting to shoot? Or would this just be the individual preference in that particular tribe or area?