This is an interesting item. It's a very basic socketed spear blade, at first appearance more closely resembling a cake server than a weapon. There's no edge per se (it's either deliberately blunted or unfinished), the barbing on the shank is shallow or possibly unfinished, and the socket is rough and fairly crude. The appearance of the piece is enhanced by extensive engraving on both faces of the blade. I believe this is a legitimate ceremonial or processional item, used as a mark of authority or for ritual purposes. It's from West Africa; I imagine it's from Mali or Burkina Faso. If it's from Mali, it might be Dogon. That's just a guess. The engraving vaguely resembles the decorative markings on a couple of West African arrow points in my collection. Unfortunately, I doubt the markings will be visible in the photos.
The spear head is heavy, with a rough, unfinished appearance. It's made from a single piece of steel drawn into a wide willow-leaf shape, with a short shank and a short, crude socket. A series of shallow barbs is present on alternating edges of the square-sectioned shank. Barbs were struck into the material with a chisel. The barbs are not deep and appear to have been filed down somewhat. There's no median ridge (the blade is essentially flat), and point is either blunted, unfinished or kept blunt intentionally.
Overall, the point is crude and heavy. Several forging flaws. Some patina and minimal rust is evident. The tip is bent, but otherwise the point appears unused.
Length (overall): About 13 1/2" overall.
Length (blades/points): About 8".
Length (other dimensions): Shank is about 3". Socket is about 2 1/4".
Width at widest point (blade/point): About 2".
Width (other dimensions): Socket is 1" wide.
Materials: Probably scrap iron.
I have a few other Western Sahel pieces (mostly arrow points). Will be describing them at some point. This piece deserves more attention, so I'll probably revisit it before too long.
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