Mystery arrow or javelin

colin henshaw · 20th October 2012, 11:32 AM

Interesting piece - but I can't make it out well. Can you post some more close-up images of the head in a sharper focus ? Thanks.

Timo Nieminen · 21st October 2012, 12:54 AM

Alas, my camera can be stubborn when it comes to focussing clearly. Here is another attempt, perhaps a little clearer.

The head is tanged. Where it is inserted into the shaft, the end of the shaft is reinforced with a spiral iron wrap. I haven't seen this kind of spiral wrap outside African spears (unless this thing is non-African).

katana · 21st October 2012, 01:19 AM

I would suggest that this is a butt spike rather than a spear head. Such a 'slender' needle like point would need barbs to make it effective. If I am right, this is quite an ornate butt spike... worthy of a more prestigious spear perhaps

All the best
David

21st October 2012, 12:54 AM	#2
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	Alas, my camera can be stubborn when it comes to focussing clearly. Here is another attempt, perhaps a little clearer. The head is tanged. Where it is inserted into the shaft, the end of the shaft is reinforced with a spiral iron wrap. I haven't seen this kind of spiral wrap outside African spears (unless this thing is non-African). Attached Images

20th October 2012, 11:32 AM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Interesting piece - but I can't make it out well. Can you post some more close-up images of the head in a sharper focus ? Thanks.

21st October 2012, 01:19 AM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	I would suggest that this is a butt spike rather than a spear head. Such a 'slender' needle like point would need barbs to make it effective. If I am right, this is quite an ornate butt spike... worthy of a more prestigious spear perhaps All the best David