African spears

Tim Simmons · 5th June 2007, 08:10 AM

I have just accquired this very interesting spear. The seller described it as kikuyu. I am not sure this is the case. I think it may well be from the Congo. When it arrives I will show why. For the time being this picture will have to do.

Jim McDougall · 5th June 2007, 12:55 PM

It is well established that weapons do not necessarily remain within geographic boundaries nor tribal groups or cultural spheres. It is certainly possible, often even likely that though certain forms are associated with a certain tribe, a degree of them will be diffused to surrounding groups.

Roma Rana, I very much look forward to more on the spear typology and Bantu sword development. It seems any in depth discussion of these weapons is lacking here, though there have of course been occasional notes which I cant recall at the moment.

Tim, looking forward to your observations on that spear!!

All best regards,
Jim

5th June 2007, 08:10 AM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,875	I have just accquired this very interesting spear. The seller described it as kikuyu. I am not sure this is the case. I think it may well be from the Congo. When it arrives I will show why. For the time being this picture will have to do.

5th June 2007, 12:55 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	It is well established that weapons do not necessarily remain within geographic boundaries nor tribal groups or cultural spheres. It is certainly possible, often even likely that though certain forms are associated with a certain tribe, a degree of them will be diffused to surrounding groups. Roma Rana, I very much look forward to more on the spear typology and Bantu sword development. It seems any in depth discussion of these weapons is lacking here, though there have of course been occasional notes which I cant recall at the moment. Tim, looking forward to your observations on that spear!! All best regards, Jim