Catalog Number |
CAS 0141-0015A,B | |
Category | Jewelry & Metalwork; Weaponry | |
Object Name | Spear with sheath | |
Culture | Maasai | |
Global Region | Sub-Saharan Africa | |
Country | Kenya or Tanzania | |
State/Prov./Dist. | unknown | |
County | ||
Other Geographic Data | unknown | |
Maker's Name | Unknown | |
Date of Manufacture | ca. early 1900s | |
Collection Name | N/A | |
Materials | Metal: Steel; Leather | |
Description | A: Hand forged double-edged spear whose elongated blade is semi-flattened at proximal end but gradually expands in width and is flattened at proximal end before its lateral edges taper to a sharp point; Median ridge runs along entire length of blade on both faces; Hand grip area of knife is tightly wrapped in leather; Metalsmithing is done for the Maasai by the Kunono, a neighboring tribe whom the Maasai regard as inferior; B: Long slender scabbard made from length of cowhide that is folded lengthwise and sewn down the middle on one side; Small loop handle is fashioned just above midsection, through which heavy ridged leather belt is passed for securing scabbard to one's thigh; Small metal disk is secured to distal tip of scabbard; Exterior of scabbard is completely stained with red pigment. | |
Dimensions (cm) | Width = A=3.7; B=4.5, Thickness = A=1.8; B=2.4, Length = A=92.3; B=77.0 |