Bronze African spearheads

Timo Nieminen · 5th July 2012, 08:42 AM

Some African bronze and copper spearheads.

The big one is, I think, West African.

The small one came in the mail today. When it was discussed here a few years ago, no definite identification was clear (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8221). Sub-Saharan Africa.

The middle one, copper I think, isn't a real spearhead (see the closeup of the butt end). Currency? It's sharper than I'd expect for such a thing. Not sharp enough to make me think it's a knife.

Tim Simmons · 5th July 2012, 06:49 PM

I like that big brass blade. I think that is a fighting spear blade and as you say from West Africa. I will even guess it was from what is now southern Nigeria and northern Cameroon. The copper item is a status knife from the Congo. There are a few French and Belgian collectors who will have lots of info on that. The smaller brass spear head could also be a fighting spear point. I have no idea what sort of wieght harft it would take to be sure. If light perhaps it could be thrown. I have a few copper and brass example but can only show this complete copper spear at the moment. This would be for wealthy or should I say people of status rather than material wealth as we understand it. Copper and brass weapons did have trade value but also more than just currency as cash.

5th July 2012, 08:42 AM	#1
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	Bronze African spearheads Some African bronze and copper spearheads. The big one is, I think, West African. The small one came in the mail today. When it was discussed here a few years ago, no definite identification was clear (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8221). Sub-Saharan Africa. The middle one, copper I think, isn't a real spearhead (see the closeup of the butt end). Currency? It's sharper than I'd expect for such a thing. Not sharp enough to make me think it's a knife. Attached Images Last edited by Timo Nieminen; 5th July 2012 at 08:58 AM.

5th July 2012, 06:49 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	I like that big brass blade. I think that is a fighting spear blade and as you say from West Africa. I will even guess it was from what is now southern Nigeria and northern Cameroon. The copper item is a status knife from the Congo. There are a few French and Belgian collectors who will have lots of info on that. The smaller brass spear head could also be a fighting spear point. I have no idea what sort of wieght harft it would take to be sure. If light perhaps it could be thrown. I have a few copper and brass example but can only show this complete copper spear at the moment. This would be for wealthy or should I say people of status rather than material wealth as we understand it. Copper and brass weapons did have trade value but also more than just currency as cash. Attached Images