Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Massai ceremonial initiation spear for comment

katana · 2nd March 2006, 08:41 PM

Hi everyone,
I have recently acquired this interesting initiation spear, a ritualistic piece from an initiation society of the Masai people, associated with rite-of-passage rituals for boys Apparently, this item was presented to a Victorian Missionary and had been kept in the family since then .The overall condition is very good, and definately has an air of age. The workmanship is excellent, the iron blade is thin with a central rib, hide and animal hair (Lion mane ?) adorn the handle area , the spear ends with a forged iron spike. The spear is approx 45,5'' / 116cms long, the blade is 6.5'' / 16.5cm. I would appreciate any input or information, thankyou

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2nd March 2006, 08:41 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Massai ceremonial initiation spear for comment Hi everyone, I have recently acquired this interesting initiation spear, a ritualistic piece from an initiation society of the Masai people, associated with rite-of-passage rituals for boys Apparently, this item was presented to a Victorian Missionary and had been kept in the family since then .The overall condition is very good, and definately has an air of age. The workmanship is excellent, the iron blade is thin with a central rib, hide and animal hair (Lion mane ?) adorn the handle area , the spear ends with a forged iron spike. The spear is approx 45,5'' / 116cms long, the blade is 6.5'' / 16.5cm. I would appreciate any input or information, thankyou [IMG]http://[/IMG] Attached Images