EARLY CEREMONIAL SPEAR HEAD

[Mervyn Mitton]

This is a rare ceremonial spearhead for a chief. We think it originates in Western Kenya - perhaps in that triangle with Burundi and Congo.

With the river it was common for the old spears to double as paddles. Interesting that this was thought worthy of being preserved on a mount - I feel that it could go back to the 1860's or, 70's. Very hard to be positive - however the workmanship is of a high order - the part of the shaft left is wood, bound with beaten strips of metal. It is totally unlike any Zulu spear and you have to wonder how it came to be in South Africa - a lot of families settled here after Kenyan Independence and it may have come with them ?

I would welcome any comments - Helen, perhaps you have seen something like this in the museum ?

[Mervyn Mitton]

Reverse of blade, on it's stand. The spear is 21 inches overall (53cm) and 5 inches at the broadest part of the blade (12.5 cm)

[Mervyn Mitton]

Close-up of metal

[Chris Boonzaier]

oooooh!

I would like a chair like that for my mother in law!!!!

[Mervyn Mitton]

That's evil - maybe you could patent one ?