Overdeput

Overdeput - welcome to GMIC. You have shown three interesting pieces - one of them quite rare.

Firstly, the two iron spears. These are both Zulu and are Iklwas - or, short stabbing spears. Despite calling them this, many

were quite long - it depended on what the man paying wanted. Both of them have binding at the head to tighten the shaft.

This has been done with Ilala palm - they cut out the spine of the leaf and weave it. The alternatives are the skin sheath from

a cow's tail , and a woven wire binding of copper and brass. You point out that they have been given a strong coat of varnish.

This has changed their appearance - but, has probably preserved this binding.

The wooden spear is quite different. No-one - including senior chiefs could enter the King's kraal with a weapon. However,

even today the Zulus are given the right to bear a traditional weapon. In the mid-19th Century it would have been unthinkable

for them to be unarmed. They got around this by carrying a wooden spear - ornately carved. This one is a good example -

I have had several in the past, however, they were never in great numbers and are quite valuable.

Should you have any other items please post - meanwhile if we can be of any further help, please ask. Mervyn

Mervyn you have rendered me a great service in giving me such valuable information on my Iklwa spears. I passed on the details to my 14 year old granddaughter to supplement her history studies - her history teacher was very appreciative.

A different war but my Granddaughter visited the Menin Gate and WW I battlefields last year so I have sent her details of my father's Small Book, medals, mess fork (Stamped with Reg. Number) and his Barnsley Pals Yorks and Lancs 14 th Bat. 2nd War Diary from 1 st. July 1916. I am pleased that our history is still being taught to the younger generation and they are aware of what their forbearers suffered.

You enquired whether I had any other items of interest - hmm. I lived in Holland many years and at a flea market in Delft approx. 24 years ago I thought I had found the perfect companion for my Iklwas, a Royal Welsh Fusiliers 23rd brass and copper bugle purportedly found in South Africa. I have treasured it for many years believing in it's authenticity only to be shocked into reality by an Internet search which informed me that there is a production line somewhere in India / Pakistan churning out these bugles.

I tell you this so that you may more understand my appreciation in receiving your authentication of my spears.

Again many thanks and please maintain your excellent service.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2013/post-15669-0-41730900-1368114873.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2013/post-15669-0-45269400-1368115000.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2013/post-15669-0-52085900-1368115119.jpg

Approximately 44 years ago I purchased what I thought were two Assagai fighting spears and a ceremonial spear.

I have only recently decided to do a littlle research into their origin and I thank my lucky stars that I came accross GMIC and the wealth of information you hold and share. Comparing my Iklwas with your data base I belive they are basic weapons but genuine, the binding appears to be grass or reed not wire.

The third spear is carved from wood and I assume was a ceremonial or decorative piece - all three have been heavily varnished sometime in the past.

I attach photos of my small collection and would be most greatful for any information which would help determine the source and age of the pieces.

Although I purchased the three together I understand that the wooden spear may be of different origin to the metal spears.

The sizs are; Blades 30cm with 90cm Shaft, 20cm with 114cm Shaft Wooden Blade 57cm with 90cm Shaft.

If the photographic resolution is inadeqauate I will try to make better ones.

(Sorry having a problem uploading jpeg photos, will try later)