Throughout the African continent, blades produced as weapons-spears, swords, axes, and knives-have served defensive purposes and achieved warlike ends.
The use of various types of the assegai was widespread all over Africa and it was the most common weapon used before the introduction of firearms.
We are partial to Zulu Shields, Maasai lion spears/shields and intricately crafted Kuba spears from the Congo.
Many sizes, materials and tribes are represented in our extensive inventory.
Most of our items are at least 75-100 years old and some are much older.
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They were acquired from European museums or at auction.
Many are coated from the soot of hundreds of wood fires and are readily distinguishable from their mass-produced replicas.
Please keep in mind that our online inventory sells quickly, however we set aside a few special pieces that are not offered on our site or in our annual catalog to serve as substitute items.
The Assegai and Zulu Military Innovations
Shaka of the Zulu popularized the use of the shorter stabbing spear with a 610 mm (24 in) shaft and a larger, broader blade 300 mm (12 in) long in warfare, which was traditionally used primarily as a hunting spear. This weapon is otherwise known as the iklwa or ixwa, after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim's wound.
The traditional spear was not abandoned, but was thrown from range at enemy formations before closing in for close quarters battle with the iklwa. This tactical combination originated during Shaka's military reforms.
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The references I have read state that the 'lion' spear is NOT thrown.....as the charging lion approaches the warrior.....the 'but' spike is placed in the ground and held, at an angle, pointing at the lion.
The design of the blade, ie long and sword like ensures maximum damage to vital organs, blood vessels and nerves and therefor a very quick death.....USUALLY.
Zulu warrior with iklwa and shield.
Spears as Symbols of Power
Grasping power. This scepter belonged to a Mangbetu king. Its sickle-shaped blade (also suggestive of a throwing knife) shows how a lethal weapon could become an extension of a king’s grasp, communicating his power.
The handles of such prestige objects were often enhanced with wrapped copper, pewter, or iron wire.
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Efficient and elegant. Weapons produced by blacksmiths have enabled both technical and cultural revolutions among African peoples.
Throwing and stabbing knives, spears, daggers, and shields may bear bitter histories, but they bespeak the heroism of the young men who wielded them.
The efficacies of these weapons, often elegant in form and decoration, include their capacity to transmit potentialities-social, political, and spiritual.
Blades have been deliberately removed from practical use by having their edges dulled; their aerodynamic balance decreased; their forms made larger, thinner, and more ornate than could serve ordinary purposes.
Mambele knife, a type of throwing knife.
The Berbers
A single edged dagger of the Berbers, an ethnic group in North Africa also called Amazigh. The name “Amazigh” is near to the word “Amazone”. It's thought that the “Amazigh” are the direct descendants of the famous “Amazones” from Libya .
Acquisition and Attribution
Attributions for this exhibition have been compiled from collection data provided by lenders and scholarly sources.
The historical testimony of travelers and scholars’ examination of the literature informs the attributions of the blades displayed in this section.
Acquisition records can be vague or misleading, and very frequently similar types have been made, used, and traded among multiple peoples, sometimes over large areas.
