A Most Unusual Zulu Spear

[colin henshaw]

An interesting spear, it reminds me of one I had many years ago, which was made from a repurposed "Sorby" brand chisel. Luckily, I kept this old polaroid photo (its the spear in the middle). Maybe old steel tools were trade items in Southern Africa for making assegai blades, along with other imported European products ?

[kronckew]

So. Africa has made steel tools for quite a while, including sharp pointy things. I have a number of knives made in So. Africa. They still do. The non-zulu Shona tribes also made tools and weapons for the Zulu as tribute. They also repurposed european tools (like herb choppers) into weapons.

[drac2k]

Colin, what a great collection of spears! I could very readily accept that my spearhead was forged from a European tool; the only thing that gives me hesitation is that it is so symmetrical and the lack of any forging flaws.

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by drac2k

Colin, what a great collection of spears! I could very readily accept that my spearhead was forged from a European tool; the only thing that gives me hesitation is that it is so symmetrical and the lack of any forging flaws.

Thanks, glad you like the spears. The photo is 30+ years ago. Regarding the "European spear blades" - perhaps both possibilities are correct.