{"product_id":"central-african-iron-spear-with-hide-wrapped-shaft-65-inch-congo-156627","title":"Central African Iron Spear with Hide-Wrapped Shaft 65inch Congo","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCentral African Iron Spear with Hide-Wrapped Shaft, Congo Region, Possibly Manyema\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStriking Central African spear featuring a long, slender wooden shaft topped with an elongated, hand-forged iron spearhead. The blade has a distinctive leaf-shaped form, tapering to a pointed tip and widening through the central section before narrowing into its iron tang.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eA particularly notable feature is the natural hide wrapping surrounding the upper portion of the shaft directly below the iron blade. The hide remains attached and exhibits considerable age, wear, and surface character, providing an unusual textural contrast to the dark wooden shaft and aged iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eMeasuring approximately 65.5 inches in overall length, the spear has elegant, elongated proportions. The iron blade displays a naturally oxidized brown surface with areas of darker patination and visible irregularities consistent with traditional hand forging and age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThe form and construction are suggestive of Central African spear traditions, particularly those of the Congo region. Similar long-shafted spears incorporating hide-covered sections are documented from the Democratic Republic of Congo, including examples attributed to the Manyema. A specific ethnic attribution cannot be confirmed without provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eAn excellent ethnographic example of traditional African ironwork, combining a finely forged iron blade with a weathered wooden shaft and original hide wrapping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eMaterials are Hand-forged iron, wood, and hide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAged condition with natural oxidation, surface rust, and patination to the iron, along with age-related wear and weathering to the wooden shaft and hide wrapping. The hide is aged and shows expected wear consistent with its age. Please examine photographs carefully for condition details.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHeight (In): 65.5\u003cbr\u003eWidth (In): 1.5\u003cbr\u003eDepth (In): 1.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e156627\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 156000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51865910870311,"sku":"156627","price":240.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_7133_163e07db-ca17-4078-b57f-09185566e47a.jpg?v=1786557629","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/central-african-iron-spear-with-hide-wrapped-shaft-65-inch-congo-156627","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}