FINE TUAREG SPEAR LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Late 19th-early 20th century. 68 3/8” length. Finely forged medially ridged leaf shaped point on open seam socket skillfully inlet to the hard wood haft. The socket base inlaid in copper and silver bands indicative of ownership by a high ranking warrior. Forge iron base piece with flared terminal for “digging in” on the impaling move, such as to stop a horse or camel. The workmanship and inlay, matching the head. Colorful, fine display and historical dating to the precolonial period of tribal raiding where the Taureg would clandestinely attack other nomad groups, stealing all their possessions and sometimes, capturing them for the slave market. The raids were known as rezzous, and were a fundamental element of Tuareg culture, planned and executed on a frequent basis. Old collection tag attached.