Maasai Spear, tourist souvenir or real deal?

[Mandich]

Dear all, i bought this spear from one collector, he claimed that it is real hunting spear from Maasai. Spear head is 106cm long, total spear length is 188 cm.

[Lee]

I believe that it is a proper spear, suitable for use by a young warrior. This is not to say that these have not been bought "new" by tourists; a friend of mine has a very similar example he acquired during his time in east Africa in the Peace Corps in the 1960s.

Previous discussion on variations: http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=27227

[Sajen]

Hello Mandich,

The most important part of the spear to judge its age or use you haven't shown! We need a picture or more from the wooden part IMHO.

Regards,
Detlef

[RobT]

Mandich,
I assume that the 106 cm (about 41.75”) head includes the ferrule? Even with that, it’s a big boy. I have a pair of these spears and they both measure (including ferrule) around 85 cm (about 33.5”). Your photos show that the workmanship on the head is excellent, so I would say that your spear is the real deal (whether newly made or not).

Sajen,
I don’t know if the wood center section is a reliable indicator of age as it could have been replaced (maybe more than once) during the spear’s life time and thus be far newer than the metal parts. Conversely, even new wood can take on a good patina in a relatively short time (especially if it is deliberately treated to look old).

Sincerely,
RobT

[Mandich]

Originally Posted by RobT

Mandich,
I assume that the 106 cm (about 41.75”) head includes the ferrule? Even with that, it’s a big boy. I have a pair of these spears and they both measure (including ferrule) around 85 cm (about 33.5”). Your photos show that the workmanship on the head is excellent, so I would say that your spear is the real deal (whether newly made or not).

Sajen,
I don’t know if the wood center section is a reliable indicator of age as it could have been replaced (maybe more than once) during the spear’s life time and thus be far newer than the metal parts. Conversely, even new wood can take on a good patina in a relatively short time (especially if it is deliberately treated to look old).

Sincerely,
RobT

Hello Rob,
Spearhead itself is 106cm long.
Ferrule is 69 cm long

[Mandich]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Mandich,

The most important part of the spear to judge its age or use you haven't shown! We need a picture or more from the wooden part IMHO.

Regards,
Detlef

Hello Detlef,
There is patina on the wood, its hard to take proper photos because of reflection. I cleaned it and its a little greasy so there is reflection.