Spear? Javelin? Lance?

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
I wonder if anybody could place, in time and origin, this spear for me. It is 70 inches long with a 22 inch steel/iron head with a flat copper strip binding to the end, the dark wood shaft has 6 brass rings down its length the one nearest the end being slightly proud from the wood. At first I thought that the head was a tailpiece but I think it is the correct head, see the copper binding on the tail. I was for my sins the Senior School javelin champion and record holder, for a few years in the 60's, and this certainly has all the balance and weight of a good throwing spear. As usual your thoughts and comments eagerly sought.
Regards,
Norman.

[Atlantia]

Does it go square section towards the point? I had a maasai lion spear with a broard leaf head and a tailpiece that looked pretty close from the pics.

[katana]

Hi Norman,
another 'javelin thrower' ( ) .....but my throwing was in the '70's

I can't help thinking this is African, but the pictures are a little small to be conclusive. Also strange that there are no barbs..so possibly unlikely as a hunting / war spear ..but have to agree its a 'thrower'. A nice thing.


Perhaps, on reflection, it was dual purpose, the raised ring could provide 'grip' for one hand whilst the other is gripping the 'coiled copper' end, when used as a long range 'stabber' ...which could be easily pulled back after wounding a victim (hence no barbs ) but, balanced enough to be used as a missile if necessary.

Regards David

[Freddy]

I found something similar in the book 'Mongo Culture' (Issued on occasion of an exhibition held in Belgium, Sint-Niklaas, from 26 August until 21 October 1984).

The picture is not very clear, but the two items shown have a resemblance with your piece. They consist of a long wooden stick with an iron point attached on one side. I don't know if you can see it on my pics, but I believe there are also some 'rings' added to the shafts.

The length of these pieces is : 2m14 and 1m97.

This is what is written in the catalogue (my translation from dutch) :

A long, narrow iron point (86 cm) attached to a wooden shaft. This is called a 'BOSIKI'. The bosiki was used to 'stab' fish or kopal in the water (river). Copal is an amber coloured and odourless type of resin which is used to produce varnish.

[Tim Simmons]

What a nice thing. I was watching this but rather stupidly decided that I had enough spears well done.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
Atlantia round section all the way I'm afraid, David more pictures I hope this helps, Freddy interesting will pursue further, Tim I'm glad you didn't we Scots are notoriously tight fisted.
My Regards,
Norman.
P.S. Point of Balance is 26 1/2 inches from the tip.

[katana]

Originally Posted by Freddy

The picture is not very clear, but the two items shown have a resemblance with your piece. They consist of a long wooden stick with an iron point attached on one side. I don't know if you can see it on my pics, but I believe there are also some 'rings' added to the shafts.

The length of these pieces is : 2m14 and 1m97.

This is what is written in the catalogue (my translation from dutch) :

A long, narrow iron point (86 cm) attached to a wooden shaft. This is called a 'BOSIKI'. The bosiki was used to 'stab' fish or kopal in the water (river). Copal is an amber coloured and odourless type of resin which is used to produce varnish.

Hi Freddy ,
good match.. but I am very surprised that a similar spear was used for fishing, all fishing spears that I have seen (African or otherwise) have barbs either large or very small. If you have ever speared a fish you would see that the barbs are very necessary. Spearing fish is hard enough....but then to lose it as it 'slides off' the spear tip ......

Regards David

[colin henshaw]

Hi

I have seen such plain spike points and brass strip decoration to the haft, on spears from the Southern Sudan (Dinka, Nuer etc). However, the copper strip winding is more often found on Congo weapons. With a socketed, rather than a tanged spearhead, it is from north of the Zambesi.

Hope this is of some help, Regards.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
Colin many thanks for the info. The piece doesn't appear to be too recent, anybody among the African collecting fraternity care to stick a toe in the water with regard to age, I know I'm probably asking the difficult if not impossible.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi Guys,
Atlantia round section all the way I'm afraid, David more pictures I hope this helps, Freddy interesting will pursue further, Tim I'm glad you didn't we Scots are notoriously tight fisted.
My Regards,
Norman.
P.S. Point of Balance is 26 1/2 inches from the tip.

Thats lovely, doesn't look Maasai close up. In fact I wonder if it might not be African at all.
I'm trying to think of uses for this type of weapon and go from there.
Long and thin...
To pierce very deeply as in a harpoon for animals with blubber or lance for bison etc?
to pierce armour and deform like a roman pilum?

Its a very nice thing, is the copper binding a counterweight to balance it when hefting it to throw and in flight?

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hello,

I am of the opinnion this comes from the South Ethiopia - North Kenya region. (I brought nearly the same from Ethiopia, nevertheless I bought it from dealer and he was not sure about the origin). My idea is the iron part of this stick or weapon or status item is Maasai (or some of neighboring tribes) spear metal butt (the grooved markings should identify sub-clan of the owner/warrior), which is used secondarily here. (See African Arms and Armours by Christopher Spring, page 113). Regards,

Martin

[Tim Simmons]

Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya all share borders as does Sudan, Uganda, and not least the Congo so in this grouping around the South Sudan one can take your pick. I would say it is certainly African from the early 20th century but could be older.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
Atlantia, I would say the copper binding is certainly a counterbalance to aid flight, Martin thanks for the info and is it possible for you to post photos of your spear that is similar, Tim am pleased with your estimate it certainly feels and looks to have a bit of age am glad you concur.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hi Norman,

I can post photos during my Christmass holliday, I am abroad now and I have my collection at (sweet) home.... I´ll do that.

Regards,

Martin

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Martin,
I would appreciate that very much.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hello Norman,
Enclosed please find some pictures of the "spear" I was speaking about.

Martin

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Tim I'm glad you didn't we Scots are notoriously tight fisted.
My Regards,
Norman.

G'day Norman, being the son of a Scot myself, did you know the thin copper bindings and wire found on these spears was first invented by a Scotsman and a Dutchman fighting over a penny.

I hope you unearth more treasures in 2009.

Gav

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Martin,
Many thanks for remembering to post the pictures, the similarities are there as you say.

Hi Gav,
I heard the same story but it was two Aberdonians and a ha'penny. By the way my wife is very impressed with the rough tough Aussie type men as they seem to be well in touch with their 'feminine' side as here in Scotland it is still only wee girlies who like to play with 'BARBIES'.

Happy New Year to you both and may all your finds be "good uns'.
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
Found this chart, my spear looks pretty similar to the one on the left of the group tagged Dinka 1925. Also www.spearcollector.com may be useful to members with an interest in Africa.
Regards,
Norman.