Something or Nothing

Norman McCormick · 22nd December 2007, 12:26 AM

Hello,
Picked this up and have no idea whether "something or nothing". I am always wary of bronze/brass weapons ceremonial or not but I wasn't sure with this one. The bit of shaft left in the socket doesn't look that new and neither does the bronze/brass but I just don't know, thought it looked N. African. 13 1/2 inches long. Any help appreciated.
Regards,
Norman.

Tim Simmons · 22nd December 2007, 02:44 PM

Nothing wrong with brass ceremonial spears. In my opinion these are sub-Saharan so they can still be technically North African. What a pity the original halft has been damaged. On this one you can see the wear to the halft end where it has been stomping on the ground. These would be items that belonged to people of stature in the community. I would happily take more if you could find then complete. If they came from other parts of the world I am sure they would be rather too expensive.

Norman McCormick · 22nd December 2007, 04:26 PM

Hi Tim,
I wasn't being disparaging about brass spears I was just wary as it is something I know nothing about and so many tourist items appear to come in brass rather than steel. Are you able to supply further info such as more a specific region or peoples that made this type of spear, its use in society and possible age or could you point me in the right direction with regard to literature. Many thanks.
Regards,
Norman.

22nd December 2007, 12:26 AM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,598	Something or Nothing Hello, Picked this up and have no idea whether "something or nothing". I am always wary of bronze/brass weapons ceremonial or not but I wasn't sure with this one. The bit of shaft left in the socket doesn't look that new and neither does the bronze/brass but I just don't know, thought it looked N. African. 13 1/2 inches long. Any help appreciated. Regards, Norman. Attached Images

22nd December 2007, 02:44 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Nothing wrong with brass ceremonial spears. In my opinion these are sub-Saharan so they can still be technically North African. What a pity the original halft has been damaged. On this one you can see the wear to the halft end where it has been stomping on the ground. These would be items that belonged to people of stature in the community. I would happily take more if you could find then complete. If they came from other parts of the world I am sure they would be rather too expensive.

22nd December 2007, 04:26 PM	#3
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,598	Hi Tim, I wasn't being disparaging about brass spears I was just wary as it is something I know nothing about and so many tourist items appear to come in brass rather than steel. Are you able to supply further info such as more a specific region or peoples that made this type of spear, its use in society and possible age or could you point me in the right direction with regard to literature. Many thanks. Regards, Norman.