Lefoantsoro from Madagascar

fearn · 27th February 2005, 01:41 AM

Thanks Conogre,

That opens up a second can of worms. Looking at that "spear," I'll admit that I wasn't sure whether the chisel end was strong enough to dig up yams. The blade was fine, but the socket... it depends on the soil. If the soil was hard clay, that spear was too wimpy. If it's sandy, then it would work fine.

However, one thing I think is fascinating (and contentious) is a simple question: is it a spear?

Assuming that the chisel end is functional, then basically it's a digging stick with a spear point on the butt end. That's from a functional perspective. I seriously doubt that they would have used the spear except as a threat, or in extreme self-defense.

From a symbolic point of view--I don't know the answer. There's some anthropological literature about the Mikea , and perhaps an answer's there.

I agree that the categories get blurry. For instance, it looks like the "Mikea" are a caste as much as a separate tribe. They're the ones who forage in the forest, and all members of the "tribe" seem to have extensive familial links with the "tribes" in the area that farm and fish (that's from the bibliography I linked to above).

Fun stuff! (unless you're trying to produce a comprehensive categorization of African spears, that is

)

Fearn

fearn · 27th February 2005, 05:54 PM

Well, I hate to keep posting on my own thread, but here's some more germane information:

Apparently, "Mikea" is an ambiguous term, like "gypsie," or "cowboy" that could be taken as a tribe, the remnants of an indigenous group, people who gather materials (especially food) from the forest, or people who fled into the forest to escape being conquered (or forced into slavery) in the 17th to 19th centuries. All of these are at least partially true.

Now, with the subtext of "forest dweller," Mikea has taken on meaning for the international conservation movement, so recent settlers in the area are also claiming to be Mikea to get a piece of the action and (possibly?) to keep from being relocated out of the Mikea forest.

Now, how does this relate to the spear? Well, one of the major forest gathering activities is (as noted on the sign) digging up wild yams for food. Thus the digging end on this spear is important.

The spearhead also makes sense in context. The Mikea took to the forests to remain free, and one of their historic threats (sometimes actions) was to ambush and spear anyone who pursued them into the forest.

So basically, functional or not, this spear looks like a symbol of Mikea identity: yam digger on one end, free man's weapon on the other.

Getting back to what Conogre posted, I don't think we have to invoke the supernatural in this case to explain the shape of this spear. Whether this is true for other African spears is an entirely different question.

Personally, I'd love to see a copy of that list that Freddy made up, if you have a way of sending it.

Fearn

Conogre · 27th February 2005, 10:18 PM

I have no problem with making copies and snail mailing it to you, as its size pretty well prohibits posting (or it could be put on a disc, but my burner seems to hate other peoples PCs).
From an ecological standpoint Madagascar is a real tradjedy, with 75% of the owrlds chameleons endemic to the island as well as many of the freshwater fish, mammals, reptiles, birds and even insects, with nearly all endangered as the island becomes more and more deforested and sterile.
As to this particular spear, little can really be determined about it without a good photograph of the entire spearhead, as far as origin goes, with your suggestion that its primary use until removed was likely self defense or sneak offense.......as in many places visited by seamen, defending oneself from ferel/wild pigs is always a realistic possibilty, many of them having a much more carnivorous side than the average person is aware of.
Mike

27th February 2005, 01:41 AM	#1
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Thanks Conogre, That opens up a second can of worms. Looking at that "spear," I'll admit that I wasn't sure whether the chisel end was strong enough to dig up yams. The blade was fine, but the socket... it depends on the soil. If the soil was hard clay, that spear was too wimpy. If it's sandy, then it would work fine. However, one thing I think is fascinating (and contentious) is a simple question: is it a spear? Assuming that the chisel end is functional, then basically it's a digging stick with a spear point on the butt end. That's from a functional perspective. I seriously doubt that they would have used the spear except as a threat, or in extreme self-defense. From a symbolic point of view--I don't know the answer. There's some anthropological literature about the Mikea , and perhaps an answer's there. I agree that the categories get blurry. For instance, it looks like the "Mikea" are a caste as much as a separate tribe. They're the ones who forage in the forest, and all members of the "tribe" seem to have extensive familial links with the "tribes" in the area that farm and fish (that's from the bibliography I linked to above). Fun stuff! (unless you're trying to produce a comprehensive categorization of African spears, that is ) Fearn

27th February 2005, 05:54 PM	#2
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Well, I hate to keep posting on my own thread, but here's some more germane information: Apparently, "Mikea" is an ambiguous term, like "gypsie," or "cowboy" that could be taken as a tribe, the remnants of an indigenous group, people who gather materials (especially food) from the forest, or people who fled into the forest to escape being conquered (or forced into slavery) in the 17th to 19th centuries. All of these are at least partially true. Now, with the subtext of "forest dweller," Mikea has taken on meaning for the international conservation movement, so recent settlers in the area are also claiming to be Mikea to get a piece of the action and (possibly?) to keep from being relocated out of the Mikea forest. Now, how does this relate to the spear? Well, one of the major forest gathering activities is (as noted on the sign) digging up wild yams for food. Thus the digging end on this spear is important. The spearhead also makes sense in context. The Mikea took to the forests to remain free, and one of their historic threats (sometimes actions) was to ambush and spear anyone who pursued them into the forest. So basically, functional or not, this spear looks like a symbol of Mikea identity: yam digger on one end, free man's weapon on the other. Getting back to what Conogre posted, I don't think we have to invoke the supernatural in this case to explain the shape of this spear. Whether this is true for other African spears is an entirely different question. Personally, I'd love to see a copy of that list that Freddy made up, if you have a way of sending it. Fearn

27th February 2005, 10:18 PM	#3
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	I have no problem with making copies and snail mailing it to you, as its size pretty well prohibits posting (or it could be put on a disc, but my burner seems to hate other peoples PCs). From an ecological standpoint Madagascar is a real tradjedy, with 75% of the owrlds chameleons endemic to the island as well as many of the freshwater fish, mammals, reptiles, birds and even insects, with nearly all endangered as the island becomes more and more deforested and sterile. As to this particular spear, little can really be determined about it without a good photograph of the entire spearhead, as far as origin goes, with your suggestion that its primary use until removed was likely self defense or sneak offense.......as in many places visited by seamen, defending oneself from ferel/wild pigs is always a realistic possibilty, many of them having a much more carnivorous side than the average person is aware of. Mike