Time Period: Early 20th / Late 19th Century
Origin: Eswatini / South Africa
Materials: Metal, Wood, Wire-Wrap, Cow Tail Binding
Provenance: UK Market, Private Collection
Swazi Style Spears.

These spears are similar to Zulu spears but one way of identifying a Swazi tribal weapons from early 20th C. or late 19th C. is the cow hide decoration at the bottom of the haft. This especially includes axes and other tribal weaponry.
1 Stabbing Spear, wire wrap and oxtail binding
1 Throwing Spear, wire wrap and oxtail binding
1 Throwing Spear, wire wrap and oxtail binding marked W Marples & Sons (19th C. British Gun Maker Family)

Rare and highly sort after by collectors, museums and scholars. Zulu or Nguni related spears have two notches or pincer marks below the blade of the spear with a tang that fits into the wooden haft. A strong vegetable glue is used to set the tang which is secured with a binding material which can be derived from such materials as cow tail, leather strips, sinew, reed, palm leaf, split cane, brass, copper or steel wire

Good Condition: Item may be worn due to age; signs of rust, damage or improper cleaning may be seen.
Potential buyers should note that though we take great care in executing these reports, however, they are matters of opinion only, are non-exhaustive, and Hills Collectibles cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The responsibility for ascertaining the condition of the Lot remains with the Buyer.