![]() |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 2,731
|
![]()
In his book Arms and Armour of Arabia, Elgood illustrates spears used on the Arabian Peninsula. Has anyone seen these, or better still actually got any in their collection? We see many spears on the Forum, from Africa, and other places, but I do not recall ever seeing any described as being from Arabia.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Wirral
Posts: 1,204
|
![]()
The problem is that he doesnt provide any clear illustrations, one hazy photo and one somewhat indistinct painting . The descriptions in many cases are very detailed but each seems to describe something completely different . References to lances up to 25 feet long seem astonishing and a bit unlikely to me .. what would be the point ( forgive the pun ) of such an unwieldy weapon . However I have been inspired by your post to check through my lances / spears to see if any match any of the descriptions .
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 1,340
|
![]()
hello gents!
http://www.geh.org/ar/strip63/m198803560014.jpg can this help? this maybe http://hbfimmigrants.proboards.com/i...int&thread=103 ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 | |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 865
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 2,731
|
![]() ![]() ![]() Mounting is described as bamboo sticks. ..................so I guess the original question remains. Has anyone seen these or have any in their collection? Thanks to those who have replied re the Lance, but not quite what I was trying to find out about, though interesting just the same. Regards Stu |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 58
|
![]()
Stu,
I've attached some additional photos of Bedouin spears, although they look more like a lance to me. As previously mentioned it appears bamboo is the preferred haft. The caption for the photo of the spear head by itself says that " this is not typical, most spear points are more conical and elongated in form". From the other illustrations I guess he is saying that the bedouin spear head usually has a long metal cyclinder running from it into the haft. This may be a means of identifying these spears. I'm not a spear man but it could be useful information. Steve |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,430
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 93
|
![]()
In my ignorance, I catalogued this as being from Kafiristan, because of the way the base is 'stepped' - which looks similar to a Kafiri dagger. So, now I know better !
Unfortunately, the wooden shaft is not original, it looks like it has been put on by a collector. Is there any definite information about the distribution of these spears in Saudi Arabia ? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 | |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1,497
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO area.
Posts: 1,623
|
![]()
Estcrh: You are the gift that keeps on giving!! LOL
![]() Rick. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1,497
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 403
|
![]()
I would surmise that the extreme length of these spears accounts for their rarity these days. If you no longer have a use for one it would be nothing but a liability. Even todays collectors who would dearly love tp possess one might have difficulty accomodating a 25 ft spear.
Regards Richard |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 | |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,145
|
![]() Quote:
Your photographs are amazing!!Thanks ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
Posts: 4,167
|
![]()
on a historical note, these were in serious use at least until 1902:
Riyadh-Al-Bathaa-Masmak-Fortress...This was the citadel in the heart of Old Riyadh that King Abdul Aziz took in January 1902 to regain control of the city. During the raid one of the future king's companions heaved a spear at the door with such force that the head is still lodged in the doorway ... The fortress is built of dried mud. It is now used as a museum honouring Abdul Aziz. i've seen it, sadly the tip broke off & remains in the door. the rest of the lance & head is elsewhere, didn't see it. i had no time to tour the fort as i had to pick up my re-entry visa for the UK & catch a plane back to dammam. the fort & the door: spearpoint is just right of the X brace on the sally door inset in the main gate door itself. : Last edited by kronckew; 2nd December 2015 at 12:45 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 332
|
![]()
The Bedouin lance/spear is regarded as 'holy grail' by collectors of Arabian weapons in Israel. Yes, they were widespread in all the Middle East. The group photo with three people was taken south to Jerusalem - it is quite famous, I have a framed print. The horseman with the very long lance was photographed with the Jordan river behind him, Beit-She'an area.
The photo here is from a public collections, with firm references, 2ft long. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 | |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1,497
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|