Maasai Moran Spear (Eremet Naibor)
Maasai Moran Spear (Eremet Naibor)
Massai People
British East Africa (Kenya) - Tanganyika (Tanzania)
Early 20th century (Ca. 1900 - 1930)
Steel, wood
Blade: 94,6cm
Blade & Socket: 104,8
Butt Spike Length: 47,6
Total Length: 177,2cm
Collection Date: 2023
Collection Number: 355
The traditional spear of the Eastern African Massai People, whose early spears were more broad- bladed than the narrow- bladed lion hunting spears seen today. This form transition occurred approximately 1900 to 1920 into the more slender of the type. Here is an example from the early 20th century and complete with its shaft and butt spike still attached. These spears were used both for hunting and battle, with the moran (young warrior) earning his right of passage through the lion hunt.
The steel blade is very long and slender with a prominent central ridge through its entirety. The base is forged with a steel socket that flairs out with wings before rapidly tapering into the blade. The tip broadens near the point. On the other end of the spear, it presents a long and heavy steel butt spike counterweight, with a quadrilateral section of two rings and notched edges near the socket. The notched markings are an identifier of an age set, locality, and subtribe of the owner. The blade and spike are separated by a wooden shaft. An older quality spear that is not commonly found.
Spring, Christopher. “African Arms and Armor”. 1993. Page 111 – 113
Nickel, Helmut. “Arms and Armor in Africa”. 1971. Page 40 - 41
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1947-16-83
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1904-183