african spear

Tim Simmons · 11th December 2005, 08:52 PM

Hi fernando,

The haft on your spear does look a little odd. Looking closely at your first pictures there does seem to be some gum and radial scratches at the union of binding and haft which are a little suspicious. At the end of the 19th cent and under white rule, tribes men would still want to parade with a traditional weapon a bit like being well dressed. So small blades were probably more acceptable to the ruling whites. There are a lot of "Zulu" stabbing spears with these small blades for sale but IMHO they are for dress. I think you may be right, the haft does look a little clumsy. You will survive, you should have a look at the rubbish I have acquired . Tim

11th December 2005, 08:52 PM	#15
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Hi fernando, The haft on your spear does look a little odd. Looking closely at your first pictures there does seem to be some gum and radial scratches at the union of binding and haft which are a little suspicious. At the end of the 19th cent and under white rule, tribes men would still want to parade with a traditional weapon a bit like being well dressed. So small blades were probably more acceptable to the ruling whites. There are a lot of "Zulu" stabbing spears with these small blades for sale but IMHO they are for dress. I think you may be right, the haft does look a little clumsy. You will survive, you should have a look at the rubbish I have acquired . Tim