African Spear.

Pukka Bundook · 8th July 2014, 02:31 PM

Morning all.

I am posting this for a pal.
He recently came into possession of this nice looking African spear, and would like to know where it is from, date, and any other interesting information.
Thank you in advance!

Richard.

Tim Simmons · 8th July 2014, 03:43 PM

This looks like it is from what was Mashonaland, Southern Africa. The wire work is very similar to the work on Shona knives and scabbards. I would image that the style of work would also be found in much of South Africa.

Pukka Bundook · 9th July 2014, 02:12 PM

Thank you for your reply, Tim.

I'll pass on this information.
The braiding is of a higher quality than I have seen before, and it had me wondering. I'll look up Shona Braiding.
Attached another image or two, of where the shank enters the shaft.
Can you give any indication of age?
Also, I'd never seen the butt spike on an African spear. Is this common?
Thanks again Tim, your reply is much appreciated!!

Richard.

Pukka Bundook · 12th July 2014, 02:32 PM

Please forgive the double post, but have another question;

This is the first spear I have seen with the braiding going the full length of the shaft. Have others see this feature before?

Thank you in advance.
Richard.

8th July 2014, 02:31 PM	#1
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	African Spear. Morning all. I am posting this for a pal. He recently came into possession of this nice looking African spear, and would like to know where it is from, date, and any other interesting information. Thank you in advance! Richard. Attached Images

9th July 2014, 02:12 PM	#3
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Thank you for your reply, Tim. I'll pass on this information. The braiding is of a higher quality than I have seen before, and it had me wondering. I'll look up Shona Braiding. Attached another image or two, of where the shank enters the shaft. Can you give any indication of age? Also, I'd never seen the butt spike on an African spear. Is this common? Thanks again Tim, your reply is much appreciated!! Richard. Attached Images

8th July 2014, 03:43 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	This looks like it is from what was Mashonaland, Southern Africa. The wire work is very similar to the work on Shona knives and scabbards. I would image that the style of work would also be found in much of South Africa.

12th July 2014, 02:32 PM	#4
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Please forgive the double post, but have another question; This is the first spear I have seen with the braiding going the full length of the shaft. Have others see this feature before? Thank you in advance. Richard.