CONGOLESE SLAVER'S SPEAR, C.1850-80

52 1/2" total length. Shorter form of the classic Congolese war spear which had been in use for more than two centuries at that time. Elongated leaf-shaped blade of offset section alternately flat and hammer finished. Long bolster. Cylindrical wood haft heavy iron bar wrap top and bottom (lightly storage rusted). Head shows ordered hammer texture throughout. The haft with linear checks, light encrustation, and two areas scorched/charred, undoubtedly resulting from the burning of huts during the raids which drove the victims into the hands of their captors.