Three 19th Century Swazi Spears

Description

Swazi Style Spears

These spears are similar to Zulu spears but one way of identifying a Swazi tribal weapons from early 20th C. or late 19th C. is the cow hide decoration at the bottom of the haft. This especially includes axes and other tribal weaponry.

1. 1 Stabbing Spear, wire wrap and oxtail binding
2. 1 Throwing Spear, wire wrap and oxtail binding
3. 1 Throwing Spear, wire wrap and oxtail binding marked W Marples & Sons

 Spears:  Authenticity and Valuation

Genuine, 19th-century artifacts like these have become highly sort after by collectors, museums and scholars. Zulu or Nguni related spears have two notches or pincer marks below the blade of the spear with a tang that fits into the wooden haft. A strong vegetable glue is used to set the tang which is secured with a binding material which can be derived from such materials as cow tail, leather strips, sinew, reed, palm leaf, split cane, brass, copper or steel wire Ethnographic art valuation is typically determined by some of the following criteria with the help of an expert:

-Condition
-Authenticity and Provenance, (origin and history of ownership)
-Quality, (the type of material used, preservation, skill, aesthetics/beauty)
-Uniqueness (the only one of its kind), rarity (occurs only in few locations) affect value.

Finally, to fully appreciate ethnographic tribal art, one has to have a sound understanding of the particular cultural history

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, the spears can also be sold separately.

Ref:

Pic: https://tang.skidmore.edu/collection/artworks/2394-swazi-youth-singceni-swaziland

Pic: https://www.rebirth.co.za/images/traditionalclothingswazi.jpg

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