interesting spear-India??
 

Here's another odd spear thats we've had hanging around awhile. As yet we've found nothing similar, our guess on this one is India. All opinions welcome. Many thanks A&K

Good morning Andy,

I don't think India in this case. To me, it looks more African, but I don't have a clue Where!
I'd have guessed the more northern area of South Africa,....Ashanti?
I don't pretend to know anything about African stuff, but in my foggy memory I can 'see' spears like this, rather complex and well made, and Think they were from the area mentioned, or Gold Coast.....
I am sure someone will put me right though!

All the best,
Richard.

Hello Richard
Thanks for your thoughts. We did a first think Africa and to be honest are still unsure. It is a well crafted spear, very strong and easily capable of breaking mail-one reason we considered India as home, but we really are just guessing and will look again at Africa. We will up date the post if anything comes to light. Many thanks. A&K

Me again Andy,

When I said Africa, it was more a vote against India...if you get my drift!
We get into trouble when we say "Never" or "always", but I do not think I have ever seen a spear like this from India.
Many spears and lances from India are much slimmer in the head, and also often if not "always" (!) have butt caps.
Also, the binding at the socket made me think Africa, as I don't think I have seen that on Indian spears either. Still, there is much I Don't know about Indian arms, so you may well be correct!
Still, an interesting arm.

Richard.

Hello again,
It's funny, we see and handle many swords, daggers etc, but some of the spears really do throw a spanner in the works, this being one example! Mind you, it's one of the reasons that collecting ethnic weapons is so fun and varied!