Well Made Small African Spear Head

[fearn]

Hi David,

Except for the narrow socket, I agree with you.

That socket is a huge exception, though. If the head was on an iron shaft that small, I'd be happy, but a wooden shaft a centimeter across? That seems a weak thing to thrust with, especially in a fight. And since the socket is asymmetrical, it would be tricky (not impossible) to have the force of the shaft travel through the lip of the socket, rather than the inside.

Fun to discuss though. I'd love to get a better inside diameter on that socket.

F

[Lew]

Originally Posted by fearn

Hi David,

Except for the narrow socket, I agree with you.

That socket is a huge exception, though. If the head was on an iron shaft that small, I'd be happy, but a wooden shaft a centimeter across? That seems a weak thing to thrust with, especially in a fight. And since the socket is asymmetrical, it would be tricky (not impossible) to have the force of the shaft travel through the lip of the socket, rather than the inside.

Fun to discuss though. I'd love to get a better inside diameter on that socket.

F

Ok

I plan on mounting the head on a thin shaft in the near future and will get some cardboard targets to test it on. Will let you know whats the results are.

[katana]

Hi Fearn,
I have a thrusting spear with a shaft diameter (at the head) of 14mm which gradually tapers towards the butt.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=spear

It is possible that the shaft (for Lew's spearhead) was also originally leather covered ....which would help re-inforce it. Even though on my example the leather is missing.....the shaft , although 'thin' is very strong. (perhaps having a shaft that is slightly 'whippy' helps with 'slashing cuts'

Regards David

PS you mentioned a socket diameter of 10mm .....Lew what is the internal diameter of the socket ?

[fearn]

Sounds good. Evidence trumps speculation any day, and I certainly don't mind being proven wrong by a test.

David, how long is your stabbing spear shaft?

Best,

F

[katana]

Originally Posted by fearn

David, how long is your stabbing spear shaft?

Best,

F

Hi Fearn,
the shaft (from edge of socket) is approx. 30"

Originally Posted by Lew

I measured it at 10mm across.

Lew

Hi Lew,
that would make the shaft a little 'thin'. I suppose the shaft could be 'stepped' so that the diameter of the shaft would be the same as the external diameter of the socket, but suspect this would only increase the diameter of the shaft by a couple of mm.
Some spears are designed with a short, thin fore-shaft, which connects the head to the thicker, heavier main shaft.....but have not seen an African example. But this arrangement is used with many examples of African arrows.
I'm now leaning towards a throwing spear, perhaps one that is used at short range so that it could be thrown accurately at vital areas of an animal /human (?). Some larger game is trapped or surrounded and then basically 'speared to death'. An accurate strike to an artery would speed up the animals demise and certainly 'weaken' it quickly (due to blood loss)

David

[Lew]

Originally Posted by katana

PS you mentioned a socket diameter of 10mm .....Lew what is the internal diameter of the socket ?

I measured it at 10mm across.

Lew