FINE MANGBETU SPEAR FROM THE TREASURE ROOM OF CHIEF GWATALA OF THE MANGBETU.

Given to a German industrialist about 1910, subsequently sold by his heirs in
Amsterdam in the 1980s. The collection comprised mounted spears, spearheads, and a few
other items. Each spearhead is finely forged with black scale surfaces opposite bright surfaces laboriously polished by slaves. We sold over 50 fully mounted examples matching these with the hafts, at $500-$1250.00. They sold out based on their ranking among the finest on the market. This example, 16 1/4" length with a medially ridged leaf shaped point with forged finish fields and polished edges. Opened seam conical socket decorated with checkerboard pattern. Excellent with good patina.