Victorian Era Zulu War Assegai Throwing Spear

New Made Item: New production copied directly from an original in the IMA collection. As used in Southern and Eastern Africa. The Assegai throwing spear was one of the most common weapons in Africa prior to the introduction of firearms. The design is relatively light, with a heavy tapered blade. This spear was intended as a throwing weapon or missile, meant for long and mid-range combat. It was the prototype for the later Iklwa spear, as later popularized by Shaka Zulu. Under Shaka, the traditional Assegai throwing spear was relegated to a secondary weapon, used before initial contact to soften the enemy. Overall length: 46 inches Shaft length: approx. 30 inches Shaft diameter approx. 2.5 inches (tapered for throwing) Blade length: approx. 16 inches