Philippine Spear

[katana]

I think Freddy could be right.....not necessarily Congolese....but Africa seems likely. These are still used today to hunt crocodile.......at night. They use small 'shallow-draft' hulled canoes, usually 2 hunters per boat. Using a light they can 'pick out' the glowing eyes of the crock (the light is reflected back...think 'cats eyes'), making them 'easy' to find. The animal is harpooned, the shaft falls away ( crocks would 'roll' in an attempt to escape....if the shaft was 'fixed' to the spearhead, it would be likely the spear...head and all would be dislodged......allowing escape.) Once the reptile tires, it is hauled into the boat, using the rope attached to the harpoon head. This is the most dangerous part, as often the crock will make a last desperate attempt to escape...snapping and swinging its powerful tail....injuries to the hunters is not uncommon.