Congo spear???

Tim Simmons · 7th June 2007, 07:13 PM

I have started a new thread with this most unusual spear to catch the eyes of the Congo fans. The spear was sold as Kikuyu but this does not look like Kikuyu or Massai work and I can only see a possible link to the southern Sudan. The spear is certainly an old one. The construction is very strange. A wood peg through the socket and some wood packing pieces put inside with the handle, why not carve a handle to fit more conventionally? The spike end also looks Congo with a strange fold over the top. The blade is very sharp. The original glue used to secure the spike has lost its grip a long time ago so I have used PVA. The fence I have the spear standing against is six foot tall. The spear head is 42cm. I have given it a clean. Any help please!!!

Lew · 8th June 2007, 10:33 PM

Tim

Nice spear but never saw a head with that type of socket construction before.

Lew

Rick · 9th June 2007, 01:03 AM

Reminds me of the N. Indian/Afghan cobra sword profile .

Tim Simmons · 9th June 2007, 10:45 AM

Rick, the same thought had crossed my mind. It is not impossible that it may be modelled on a serpent or even a crocodile. These beasts being linked to power in most aspects of life in this parts of the world. It is certainly one made for combat in the region and despite of what looks like rather hasty work it is well perceived when in the hand with an excellent balance.

7th June 2007, 07:13 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Congo spear??? I have started a new thread with this most unusual spear to catch the eyes of the Congo fans. The spear was sold as Kikuyu but this does not look like Kikuyu or Massai work and I can only see a possible link to the southern Sudan. The spear is certainly an old one. The construction is very strange. A wood peg through the socket and some wood packing pieces put inside with the handle, why not carve a handle to fit more conventionally? The spike end also looks Congo with a strange fold over the top. The blade is very sharp. The original glue used to secure the spike has lost its grip a long time ago so I have used PVA. The fence I have the spear standing against is six foot tall. The spear head is 42cm. I have given it a clean. Any help please!!!

9th June 2007, 10:45 AM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Rick, the same thought had crossed my mind. It is not impossible that it may be modelled on a serpent or even a crocodile. These beasts being linked to power in most aspects of life in this parts of the world. It is certainly one made for combat in the region and despite of what looks like rather hasty work it is well perceived when in the hand with an excellent balance. Last edited by Tim Simmons; 9th June 2007 at 11:57 AM.

8th June 2007, 10:33 PM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Tim Nice spear but never saw a head with that type of socket construction before. Lew

9th June 2007, 01:03 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	Reminds me of the N. Indian/Afghan cobra sword profile .