Assegai (Ngumba) Lwena/Tsjokwe/Lunda

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I would love to have a spear like this with the carved figure. If it were mine I remove the varnish. I have have removed varnish several times on clubs that have cost a pretty penny. The results have been great no damage to the patina once dressed with a little olive oil. Every time I have removed the varnish it has been with heart in mouth. I use a peoduct called "nitromoors paint and varnish remover" The results have been like a trip in a time machine.

Really? Nitromoors is caustic soda. You don't find it tough on the patina?

[Tim Simmons]

I know this is just a quick snap but all of these have had the "Nitromors" treatment. You have to do it carefully, wipe on, agitate with tooth brush wipe off, in quick bursts untill the varnish has gone. Dress lightly with soft cloth and olive oil.

[T. Koch]

Interesting spears! I've never seen such ones before, so it's a pleasure - thanks for posting. Do you know what the bottom spike is for? I'm guessing for standing up during ceremonies, maybe?

Tim, those are some sweet clubs too! Would you mind naming them - maybe even in a new thread of their own? They certainly deserve it!


Best wishes, - Thor

[Congoblades]

Yes Freddy, you're right, safest thing to do is do nothing.
But the intention was to take away the most of the varnish, not to strip it

A slight cleaning with acetone just takes away the "glass" effect and not remove the entire layer.

Looks beter now...