A spear butt from Central Africa or Madagascar

Here we have one of the last of my larger spear blades and spear components. I purchased this item via eBay (no surprises there) from a seller who believed it to be a knife or weapon of some sort. Although it superficially resembles some of the edged weapons from central Africa, the presence of a socket indicates this is a spear component of some sort. It is most likely a spear butt (a generally socketed spike or iron object serving as a counterweight to a heavy point). Where it's from, I don't know. My guess would be central Africa or Madagascar. The socket is narrow and it would only be suitable for a light spear.

The object is light, thin and somewhat flexible. It is decorated with faint lines along the middle of the blade. The blade (not really a blade, but corresponding to a blade) is not completely flat, but only faintly lens-shaped in cross section. Spear butts aren't expected to do a great deal, so I guess quality isn't paramount. The edges of the blade are roughly parallel for most of their length; in the last inch or so the edges flare out, giving the butt a spade or spatulate appearance. The socket is crude but functional, with a small hole (punched, not drilled) for a pin or rivet.

Overall, the point is crude yet functional. The blade is rusted and pitted, but the rust is not the flaky, scaly rust found on pieces made from modern steel. The point shows a great deal of use and "experience". The flared-out tips of the blade are bent (they could be straightened out, but carefully to prevent breaking them off). This is a nice, old used item that would make a nice display, but it certainly ain't the greatest piece I have.

Length (overall): About 10".

Length (blades/points): About 7 1/2".

Length (other dimensions): Socket is about 2 1/2".

Width at widest point (blade/point): About 2 1/2" if bent tips were repaired.

Width (other dimensions): Socket is about 5/8" wide.

Materials: Probably scrap iron.

If it is in fact Malagasy, it's a rare and desirable piece. Similar spear butts can be seenhere, here, and here (each from the American Museum of Natural History archives). These butts are much finer, but similar to the present item. It it's from the Congo, the value would be considerably less.

Auctions

Here are a few eBay auctions I watched (and unsuccessfully bid on) this weekend. I was outbid on each of them. I did pick up an old, used Papuan cooking utensil made with a coconut shell. I will describe that within the next few weeks.

A Kikuyu spear collected by Quaker missionaries in the 1920s. In perfect condition with a light-colored wood shaft. Sold for about $120.

A massive spear from the Sudan. In very good condition, including brass wire wrap near butt. Shaft is a little warped near butt. Sold for about $150. Shipping would have been prohibitively expensive.

A nice Ngbandi spear from the northern Congo. In excellent condition, with a nice blade and plenty of wire wrapping. I purchased a similar item from the same seller. The one I purchased (and thus, was able to afford) is missing a section of the butt. This complete spear sold for $78, which is not much more than I paid for mine.

A large Zulu assegai or iklwa from South Africa. Point is bound with leather. Appears complete. Sold for $175.

A Yakoma spear from the Congo. An interesting, very light-weight status symbol-type spear. Sold for $121.

A Ngbandi spear head. A strange, thin point with strong barbs; probably part of a status symbol-type spear like #5. It would have made a deadly thrown spear, however. Sold for about $50.

A Somali spear head. Small and light, with a decorative element at base of blade. Similar to the point i described here. Sold for $39.

A spear head from the Congo. Rather crudely made, with a very large barb. A functional hunting weapon. Sold for $40.

An interesting spear head from Uganda. Solidly built and finely made, with two fullers like the Ethiopian points I described here and here. Sold for $40.

A Mossi spear head from Burkina Faso, West Africa. Nicely made for a West African piece, with a long shank and a narrow, willow-leaf shaped blade. Sold for $43.

An arrow point from the Congo. Appears quite old, and is nicely decorated with filed and chiseled elements. 5" overall. Crisp, symmetrical form. Recalls some of the points from the northern Philippines. Has an excellent patina. Sold for a pretty ridiculous $100, at least 2 or 3 times what it's actually worth.

A harpoon point from the Congo. A very graceful, delicate form with very strong barbs. Of a different form than the Congolese harpoon I have in my collection. Retains some of the vegetable fiber cord. Sold for $82.

A very nice Malagasy spear head and butt. Shape of point recalls shape of Sudanese spear (#2). A solid, functional piece with decorative brass inserts.

Kind of a discouraging lot of auctions, but maybe I'll have better luck next time. I would rather be surprised with a good deal on a good piece than have to pay what an item is actually worth (or more than it's worth.)

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.

A javelin point from Somalia, Africa

I purchased this small javelin point via eBay last month. I paid about what I imagine it's worth. Somali pieces seem to be pretty desirable, based on other auctions i've watched. This little point definitely passes the made-for-use test. Overall, it's solidly made from thick steel, and is quite sharp. I've noticed that northeast African points tend to be simple in comparison to the more baroque designs of central Africa and the Sahel. The reverse barbing is a dramatic feature, even if it impedes functioning of the main barbs. I imagine these light javelins were carried by mounted warriors in sets of three or more. I suspect they were carried for status/cultural reasons, but they would make effective hunting or military weapons.

Length (overall): About 8 1/2".

Length (blade/point): A bit over 6".

Length (other dimensions): Socket is 2". Both sets of barbs are about 1".

Width at widest point (blade/point): A hair over 1".

Width (other dimensions):

Materials: A solid piece of steel. No forging flaws evident. Some bits of steel remain at the base of the barbs. Slight discoloration, but no pitting or extensive rust. Judging from pictures and other examples on eBay, shaft was a light-colored hardwood, probably glued in place with gum?Shaft was probably on the shorter side, maybe 5'. The butt of the spear would have had a simple coil of brass wire or a strip of iron cut from a sheet.

The ferrule or socket is tiny with a very narrow opening (1/2"). The shaft would have to have been tapered a great deal, and then glued in place. The point is decorated with brass or copper wire, now tarnished. There are two separate bands of intricate woven wirework.

The blade is slightly lens-shaped in cross-section without a median ridge. The point appears to have been sharpened a little, but not a great deal. The point and edges are quite sharp. File marks present. I like these small, ornate javelin points from central and eastern Africa - I have one other old Central African javelin point I hope to describe shortly.