Spear? Javelin? Lance?

[Freddy]

I found something similar in the book 'Mongo Culture' (Issued on occasion of an exhibition held in Belgium, Sint-Niklaas, from 26 August until 21 October 1984).

The picture is not very clear, but the two items shown have a resemblance with your piece. They consist of a long wooden stick with an iron point attached on one side. I don't know if you can see it on my pics, but I believe there are also some 'rings' added to the shafts.

The length of these pieces is : 2m14 and 1m97.

This is what is written in the catalogue (my translation from dutch) :

A long, narrow iron point (86 cm) attached to a wooden shaft. This is called a 'BOSIKI'. The bosiki was used to 'stab' fish or kopal in the water (river). Copal is an amber coloured and odourless type of resin which is used to produce varnish.

[Tim Simmons]

What a nice thing. I was watching this but rather stupidly decided that I had enough spears well done.

[katana]

Originally Posted by Freddy

The picture is not very clear, but the two items shown have a resemblance with your piece. They consist of a long wooden stick with an iron point attached on one side. I don't know if you can see it on my pics, but I believe there are also some 'rings' added to the shafts.

The length of these pieces is : 2m14 and 1m97.

This is what is written in the catalogue (my translation from dutch) :

A long, narrow iron point (86 cm) attached to a wooden shaft. This is called a 'BOSIKI'. The bosiki was used to 'stab' fish or kopal in the water (river). Copal is an amber coloured and odourless type of resin which is used to produce varnish.

Hi Freddy ,
good match.. but I am very surprised that a similar spear was used for fishing, all fishing spears that I have seen (African or otherwise) have barbs either large or very small. If you have ever speared a fish you would see that the barbs are very necessary. Spearing fish is hard enough....but then to lose it as it 'slides off' the spear tip ......

Regards David