Ceremonial Spear
Northern Nguni, South Africa
Wood
Early 20th century
Comparable examples of this type have been described as being used in ceremony, as symbols of authority, and possibly also during weddings. One example (here) in the American Museum of Natural History, collected in 1948 by Colonel William J. Morden, was described as a "dancing assegai." Two examples, published in Relics of War: A Collection of 19th Century Artefacts from British South Africa and Southern Rhodesia (Maritz & Maritz, 2008) were described as spear-staffs. Unfortunately, additoinal information about this type is scant.
The assegai or Iklwa that this wooden spear imitates represented a major innovation implemented by Shaka Zulu that accompanied the rise to power and military domincance of the Zulu. As such, it remains a potent symbol of power and authority. The label 'Northern Nguni' describes a number of groups living in the former Zulu kingdom.
The rich patina suggests a long history of handling, and the two-toned African teak runs perfectly through the center of the blade.
This piece was decommissioned from the Old Slave Mart Museum in Charleston, South Carolina in 1988.
37 in :: 94 cm
InventoryID #13-1147
SOLD
