'Fat bladed' spear

Freddy · 13th December 2005, 06:19 PM

At Tim's request : here it is.

This spear is a currency spear used by the Mbole and/or Topoke-tribes in Congo. As you can see from the pics, it has no point. It is of no uses as a weapon. Could be used as a ceremonial piece.
Nevertheless, the forging on this spear blade is beautiful.
The wooden shaft is fairly simple, but some iron and copper rings are used to decorate it.

Total length : 1m58.

Here are some similar pieces from the book 'Waffen aus Zentral-Afrika) :

Lew · 13th December 2005, 07:32 PM

Freddy

Very nice spear

We need to stop showing off our nice African stuff don't want it to become the next hot ticket on Ebay

I like the prices just the way they are CHEAP!

Lew

Tim Simmons · 13th December 2005, 07:45 PM

Great spear, I had better put my gag back on

Tim

Freddy · 13th December 2005, 07:55 PM

Lew,

It's already too late. Prices on African weapons (especially in Belgium) are constantly rising. Sometimes, I'm really amazed at the money people spend on their hobby.

By the way, this one wasn't bought on ebay or any other auction site. I go a lot to jumble sales, junk shops and the odd antique fair, and there always something to be found. Mostly dirty and rusty, but cheap...

One just has to know where to look for them !

Freddy · 15th December 2005, 07:47 PM

Just an idea !

When I find a nice spear head (African or other) without shaft, it's a shame to put it in a box or keep it hidden away somewhere else. Sometimes, I make a simple wooden stand and paint it black. Looks very nice and you can enjoy your pieces.
I've done this with sword or knife blades, too.

13th December 2005, 06:19 PM	#1
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	'Fat bladed' spear At Tim's request : here it is. This spear is a currency spear used by the Mbole and/or Topoke-tribes in Congo. As you can see from the pics, it has no point. It is of no uses as a weapon. Could be used as a ceremonial piece. Nevertheless, the forging on this spear blade is beautiful. The wooden shaft is fairly simple, but some iron and copper rings are used to decorate it. Total length : 1m58. Here are some similar pieces from the book 'Waffen aus Zentral-Afrika) :

13th December 2005, 07:55 PM	#4
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	too late Lew, It's already too late. Prices on African weapons (especially in Belgium) are constantly rising. Sometimes, I'm really amazed at the money people spend on their hobby. By the way, this one wasn't bought on ebay or any other auction site. I go a lot to jumble sales, junk shops and the odd antique fair, and there always something to be found. Mostly dirty and rusty, but cheap... One just has to know where to look for them !

13th December 2005, 07:32 PM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Freddy Very nice spear We need to stop showing off our nice African stuff don't want it to become the next hot ticket on Ebay I like the prices just the way they are CHEAP! Lew

13th December 2005, 07:45 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Great spear, I had better put my gag back on Tim

15th December 2005, 07:47 PM	#5
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Just an idea ! When I find a nice spear head (African or other) without shaft, it's a shame to put it in a box or keep it hidden away somewhere else. Sometimes, I make a simple wooden stand and paint it black. Looks very nice and you can enjoy your pieces. I've done this with sword or knife blades, too.