E1475: Maasai spear

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1475

Classification Category:

5:Tools & Equipment for Science and Technology ➞ Armament ➞ Edged

Marks/Labels:

N/A

Materials:

botanical ➔ wood
metal ➔ iron
binding agents ➔ adhesive ➔ unidentified

Dimensions:

180.4cm L

Provenance of Object:

The object was donated by Mark Heffron, 5/9/2018.

Source Locality:

Botswana

Acquisition Date:

1967

Description:

The Maasai spear is a Maasai warriors most important possession, they were often used for defending both the herd and the community from predators. The spear is given to boys once they reach puberty and could take on the title of warrior. Though it is a spear, it was also often used as a walking stick, often thrust into the ground at an individuals side.

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