Spear - Africa (No reserve price)

These four objects are authentic and magnificent forged iron spear/harpoon tips. Given their very characteristic style, they are weapons of African origin, most likely from the Central or East African region.

The two barbed tips with multiple barbs (on the left): These are mainly weapons for war or for hunting large game. The barbs are designed for formidable effectiveness: once the tip penetrates the flesh, it cannot be withdrawn without causing immense tearing, ensuring that the prey or the enemy cannot free themselves from the weapon.

The two finned or lugged tips (on the right): These tips were used for both hunting and combat. The two “fins” at the base played a crucial role: they prevented the spear from penetrating too deeply or passing completely through the animal, allowing the hunter to recover his weapon more easily or to keep a dangerous beast at a distance.

This is an extremely common traditional African forging technique. Unlike medieval or modern European metallurgy, which closed and welded the socket completely, African blacksmiths simply folded the heated iron sheet with a hammer around a mandrel, leaving a gap. The wood was then fixed by inserting a rivet (you can see the small hole for the rivet or nail at the bottom of the sockets) or by binding everything with animal tendon or leather cord.

The two barbed tips with multiple barbs (on the left) measure 30.5 cm in length.
The two finned or lugged tips (on the right) measure 26.5 cm in length.

These pieces show a beautiful patina of ancient oxidation (the black/brown rust firmly anchored and stabilized in the metal). The forging work is entirely handmade and artisanal.
They most likely date from the late 19th century or the first half of the 20th century (colonial period or just before). They are ethnographic collectible items.

Shipped quickly and well protected with worldwide tracking.