Unusual asymetrical Igarot spear head

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by fearn

I'd also point out that, at the distance the spear could be thrown in battle, symmetry probably didn't matter all that much. It's so bulky that it's not going to fly far, regardless of the shape of its head. The fact that the shaft is widest near the head also might serve to balance the head.

That said, I'm not sure whether these spears were used more for throwing or in hand. Regardless, I think they could be thrown at need.

Hi Fearn, yes looks like it. Thanks.

Meaning if it was a spear and not an arrow, imparting a spin on the projectile is not critical. We can check that out also in the how-to's of spearthrowing, here and here.

As to the short effective range of the Igorot spear being bulky as said, we read the following, from Albert Jenks (1904):

"Men go to war armed with a wooden shield, a steel battle-ax, and one to three steel or wooden spears. It is a man's agility and skill in keeping his shield between himself and the enemy that preserves his life. Their battles are full of quick, incessant springing motion. There are sudden rushes and retreats, sneaking flank movements to cut an enemy off. The body is always in hand, always in motion, that it may respond instantly to every necessity. Spears are thrown with greatest accuracy and fatality up to 30 feet, and after the spears are discharged the contest, if continued, is at arms' length with the battle-axes. In such warfare no attitude or position can safely be maintained except for the shortest possible time."

Attached is another old pic showing Igorot warriors with spears ready, while expecting an attack.