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AUCTION 45: ANTIQUE ARMS AND ARMOR
Lot 218:
A traditional style of spear used by the Maasai people of East Africa to hunt lions and protect cattle. The spearhead is a long spatulated steel blade with a raised midrib running down the length of its center from socket to tip. The base of the spear is also steel and mostly cylindrical except for the tip and the section just below the socket where it is instead rectangular, the tip also being pointed to allow the weapon to be easily set into the ground when he needs his hands free. The aforementioned rectangular section below the socket also has multiple notches cut into the steel, probably of symbolic significance. The grip is of wood and at one time was glued into both sockets with a strong natural adhesive, though at some point the spearhead was removed. The spearhead still fits on quite sturdily and is a tight enough fit for display purposes, so this is not an issue.
L: 73 3/4 in., (187.3 cm.)
Condition: Staining and pitting throughout but overall solid and in good condition. The spearhead is no longer adhered to the piece with glue but stays on solidly enough for display.
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