Masai Spear for comment and a few questions

katana · 18th April 2010, 03:58 PM

Acquired an old Masai spear, extremely well made and with great patination.
The spearhead has a 'chevron-like' detail, which I have never seen before, but found a similar spear on the 'sold' section of Artzi's site. The butt spike has a square section with line detailing .....has this any significance to the 'status' of the owner or has it another meaning.

If anyone has any idea as to age, or any other comments....please feel free to let me know, thank you Gentlemen.

Regards David

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Martin Lubojacky · 18th April 2010, 06:31 PM

"The butt spike has a square section with line detailing .....has this any significance to the 'status' of the owner or has it another meaning "

Hi Katana,
I am not expert in spears, but it should be identification of age set and clan.

Also this long spear heads were "allegedly" produced after expansion of imports of rod iron from Europe (end 19/beg. 20th century). Mid 19th century spearheads should be more massive and shorter.

Regards,

Martin

katana · 22nd April 2010, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Hi Katana,
I am not expert in spears, but it should be identification of age set and clan.

Also this long spear heads were "allegedly" produced after expansion of imports of rod iron from Europe (end 19/beg. 20th century). Mid 19th century spearheads should be more massive and shorter.

Regards,

Martin

Hi Martin,
I wonder if the length and weight may help to date this spear ?

It is exactly 6 foot, (72 inches or 183cms) and weighs 1.5 kgs, the craftsmanship of the blacksmith seems superior to more recent examples.

Regards David

katana · 30th April 2010, 06:07 PM

I would be grateful if anyone can post some information regarding the notches/markings on Massai spears, in relation to rank etc. Also, not so noticeable... is a diagonal mark on 2 faces of the square, notched section of the spear butt .....significant ??

Kind Regards David

Tim Simmons · 1st May 2010, 06:09 PM

David here are three of mine with different forged spike parts. I have publications that suggest certain shapes of spear can denote the age status of the warrior, but no real solid comparative evidence or pictures are provided. The different finishes to the spike part might also denote a particular smith or region. I have three others, one with a square section but no indentations. The other two are plain. These spears can be magnificent the biggest blade one the three shown is 103cm long. It is a mystery to me why they do not out class such things as Kaskara with European blades in the market. They are no more common, quite a bit longer.

Tim Simmons · 1st May 2010, 08:05 PM

David taking another look at this spear. Not as impressive as two of the first shown earlier but still just over 6'. It has a similar chevron at the base of the blade and a line around the bottom of the socket. The spike part has a spiral line running down the socket. Sorry the pictures are rather poor but running out of daylight so have all the lights and flash on.

18th April 2010, 03:58 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Masai Spear for comment and a few questions Acquired an old Masai spear, extremely well made and with great patination. The spearhead has a 'chevron-like' detail, which I have never seen before, but found a similar spear on the 'sold' section of Artzi's site. The butt spike has a square section with line detailing .....has this any significance to the 'status' of the owner or has it another meaning. If anyone has any idea as to age, or any other comments....please feel free to let me know, thank you Gentlemen. Regards David . Attached Images

1st May 2010, 06:09 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	David here are three of mine with different forged spike parts. I have publications that suggest certain shapes of spear can denote the age status of the warrior, but no real solid comparative evidence or pictures are provided. The different finishes to the spike part might also denote a particular smith or region. I have three others, one with a square section but no indentations. The other two are plain. These spears can be magnificent the biggest blade one the three shown is 103cm long. It is a mystery to me why they do not out class such things as Kaskara with European blades in the market. They are no more common, quite a bit longer. Attached Images

1st May 2010, 08:05 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	David taking another look at this spear. Not as impressive as two of the first shown earlier but still just over 6'. It has a similar chevron at the base of the blade and a line around the bottom of the socket. The spike part has a spiral line running down the socket. Sorry the pictures are rather poor but running out of daylight so have all the lights and flash on. Attached Images

18th April 2010, 06:31 PM	#2
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 841	"The butt spike has a square section with line detailing .....has this any significance to the 'status' of the owner or has it another meaning " Hi Katana, I am not expert in spears, but it should be identification of age set and clan. Also this long spear heads were "allegedly" produced after expansion of imports of rod iron from Europe (end 19/beg. 20th century). Mid 19th century spearheads should be more massive and shorter. Regards, Martin

30th April 2010, 06:07 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	I would be grateful if anyone can post some information regarding the notches/markings on Massai spears, in relation to rank etc. Also, not so noticeable... is a diagonal mark on 2 faces of the square, notched section of the spear butt .....significant ?? Kind Regards David