A Moro Spear's Mystery Rigging

[CharlesS]

Here is a Moro spear that is rigged beneath the spear head in a way I have never seen before. Normally when I see rigging like this it is in some way associated with the spear head, but in this case all the rigging is 100% separate from the spear head. The brass ferrule is a couple of inches shorter than usual. Two 9.5inch iron "splints" are held in place by a combination of tight cord and wire binding. They run 3.5inches past the bottom of the brass ferrule and terminate with a tight cord binding.

There is no indication that the spear has ever been broken, though note the crack to haft at the bottom of the ferrule. And, there is no indication that the spear head or ferrule has ever been damaged.

I have a theory on this and am curious to see if any other Moro collectors might agree...so let's hear those ideas!!!

Note the spear head is beautifully laminated, most notably visible in the chiseled center.

Dimensions:
Overall spear length 6.5ft.
Blade 14.25in.
Brass ferrule: 5.75in.