Spear
Date1800s
Mediumetched iron, brass inlay, wood
Dimensions174 × 35 × 8.5 cm (68 1/2 × 13 3/4 × 3 3/8 in.), 1 lb, 5 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.3
DescriptionIron. Flat, leaf-shaped double edge blade with tall conical socket. Both faces of blade etched with thuluth script overall. Socket inlaid with thick, crude strips of brass wire in undulating & straight axial lines. Traces of effaced molding at base of socket & other older decoration suggest head decorated at later date during working life. Circular-section wooden shaft, perhaps restored; hole at the base of the shaft evidently for an old display mounting.Label TextThe Sudanic grasslands of Africa, just south of the Sahara desert, were home to mounted warriors who had adopted Islam. This spear was carried by such a horseman, who also wore a helmet, mail shirt, and sword similar to those of medieval knights. The shape of this spear is typically African, but the script on the blade is Arabic.ProvenanceBurghard Steiner (Riverdale-on-Hudson, NY) Purchased by John W. Higgins on January 26, 1927 from sale at Walpole Galleries (NY), their # 120. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014
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