A javelin or spear point from Sudan, Africa

This is an interesting item. Not sure how to classify it - it's midway between a spear and javelin point. I know it doesn't really matter how an object is classified - ultimately, they're all projectile points. It would be at the heavy end of the spectrum for a thrown spear. At the same time, the numerous barbs would render the point pretty useless for hand to hand combat. The rows of barbs might suggest use as a fish spear, but the wide cutting blade is unnecessary for that purpose.

This is not a well-made piece. The socket is rough. The blade is simply flattened out and formed into a lanceolate shape with no indication of a midrib or lens-shaped cross-section. Although long, the barbs are pretty ragged and more excess material could have been removed. Still, I am reluctant to conclude that this is a tourist piece. There's a uniform coating of rust (which could have been artificially added, of course). Combined with a balanced bamboo shaft, this would have been an effective weapon against opponents or for medium-sized game. Decoration consists of a series of chiseled crosshatching and rudimentary reverse barbs at the base of the shank.

Length (overall): About 13 3/4".

Length (blade/point): A bit over 3".

Length (other dimensions): Socket is 3". Shank is about 7". Barbs are about 1/2".

Width at widest point (blade/point): About 1 1/4".

Width (other dimensions): Shank is about 1/2" by 1/2".

Materials: A solid piece of steel. Entire object is covered with a uniform coating of discoloration (not necessarily rust, but a dark, powdery brown patina). Appears to have been made from a narrow bar of iron, hammered flat at one end for a socket and flattened at the other for a blade. Barbs were lifted from the stock with a chisel. Shaft was probably pretty utilitarian. The ferrule or socket is on the small end with a 3/4" opening.

The strongly-barbed point resembles the fish spears widespread throughout the Sudan area, but especially associated with the Dinka. Many were brought back from the Madhist campaigns, but i suspect this one is later. Hope to put it on a cane shaft before too long.