Luba Spear

In the field of weaponry, a category such as knives can range from throwing knives to knives used for cutting meat to currency blades. A dissertation on the subject of knives can fluctuate from technical construction to ritual use in society. The exact same can be said about the African spear; for one that is normally carried around is only one of several types produced by most African people. There are spears for dancing, cattle identification, warfare, hunting and religious ceremonies. A spear very importantly can signify the status of an individual, mostly males though in certain parts of Africa a variety of weaponry have been made especially for women. A young male has earned his rite of passage when he is given a spear. When a man has proven himself in times of battle his personal spear is deeply connected with his pride, prestige and over all tribal status. This object will be keep for life and is valued tremendously. Spears and javelins have been found at tribal burial sites and shrines among other important items. As with certain types of wooden sculptures some weapons can be empowered by the spells from the religious head, symbolic construction design and magical devices. Amazingly enough, not too long ago, the Western art world had a tragically impoverished view of African weaponry. It was basically categorized as too 'savage and primitive.' Now, slowly but surely, items that were once considered no more valuable than simple curios have been appropriately re-conceptualized as high art.

The narrow, perfectly shaped, well tempered head of our Luba spear was designed for use in hunting medium sized game such as antelope. The two groups of tightly wrapped copper coil ensures a non slip grip when thrusting. A cleaver, bulbous, three sided wooded hand stop has been incorporated between the two coiled sections. A long 19 inch four sided iron butt has been securely attached to the end. From use and wear the spear head has a thin coat of rust and moves slightly on the wooden shaft when shaken. Other than that the blade is keen for its age and the spears attributes well defined.

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