Small African (?) spearheads for ID

[Araña_del_Sol]

Hi all,

I recently acquired a pair of spearheads with a rather distinctive look. They both have inlaid brass and incised patterns that remind me of common motifs in West Africa but their shape is odd. Any help identifying them would be appreciated.

Both are about 24.8cm (9.75 inches) in length.

- ADS

[Tim Simmons]

I think west Africa too. Have only seen the pin through the socket on west Africa spears. I have a pinned socket spear from borderlands of Nigeria/Cameroon.

[Araña_del_Sol]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I think west Africa too. Have only seen the pin through the socket on west Africa spears. I have a pinned socket spear from borderlands of Nigeria/Cameroon.

Hi Tim, thanks for your response, it's interesting that you draw a comparison to spears from the Nigeria/Cameroon border. I was starting to lean toward a possible Kotoko/Bornu origin but just can't find a comparable example besides the large cavalry lances from those people groups.

- ADS

[Tim Simmons]

I agree with you too. I now remember having some spears from other areas of West Africa they are in the archive years ago though.
.

[Richard G]

I suspect they are from the other end, i.e. the shoe of a lance.
And I would also guess from the West African Sahel.
Best wishes
Richard

[TVV]

We all agree these are from the Sahel. The shoes of lances however tended to look more spatulate, like in the drawing by Denham. I suspect these are the actual lance heads.