Maasai Spear, tourist souvenir or real deal?

RobT · 24th April 2025, 01:01 AM

Mandich,
I assume that the 106 cm (about 41.75”) head includes the ferrule? Even with that, it’s a big boy. I have a pair of these spears and they both measure (including ferrule) around 85 cm (about 33.5”). Your photos show that the workmanship on the head is excellent, so I would say that your spear is the real deal (whether newly made or not).

Sajen,
I don’t know if the wood center section is a reliable indicator of age as it could have been replaced (maybe more than once) during the spear’s life time and thus be far newer than the metal parts. Conversely, even new wood can take on a good patina in a relatively short time (especially if it is deliberately treated to look old).

Sincerely,
RobT

24th April 2025, 01:01 AM	#4
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 548	Rather Large Mandich, I assume that the 106 cm (about 41.75”) head includes the ferrule? Even with that, it’s a big boy. I have a pair of these spears and they both measure (including ferrule) around 85 cm (about 33.5”). Your photos show that the workmanship on the head is excellent, so I would say that your spear is the real deal (whether newly made or not). Sajen, I don’t know if the wood center section is a reliable indicator of age as it could have been replaced (maybe more than once) during the spear’s life time and thus be far newer than the metal parts. Conversely, even new wood can take on a good patina in a relatively short time (especially if it is deliberately treated to look old). Sincerely, RobT Last edited by RobT; 24th April 2025 at 01:05 AM. Reason: new info