EXTREMELY RARE SOLOMON ISLANDS IRON SPEAR

Second half of the 19th century. Typical construction, with stepped cane haft and very finely woven split cane socket. The 8 1/2” iron head of elongated leaf form with irregular edge as made. Undamaged and fine condition throughout for the period with rich glossy patina to the head. The iron probably acquired from a flotsam barrel hoop. All indications suggest that this was the first attempt at forging for its maker. The hammer work is confined to one side and the irregular edges indicate that no finishing tools were available. The concept of a smooth or uniform edge was foreign to the craftsman and finishing beyond this stage probably never occurred to him. The only iron head example that we have ever encountered.