This is the rating and price for 19Th C. African Maasai Steel & Wood Lion Hunting Spear

Description : **This is an oversized piece that may require special shipping. Please inquire for a quote prior to bidding. Eastern Africa, Northern / Central Kenya to northern Tanzania, Maasai or Samburu tribes, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A remarkable steel and wood lion hunting spear of sizeable form used by the Maasai peoples. Fitted to the top of the wooden pole is a forged-steel spear head with a conical socketing shaft beneath an elongated, ovate blade bearing a slight waist, a shallow midrib, a median-ridged cross-section, and a dramatically pointed tip. Secured to the opposite end of the pole is a cylindrical, steel butt spike with a solid pyramidal point that was highly efficient at downward thrusts. The letter M or W has been carved into the espresso-hued wood of the spear's midsection. Spears like this example were a Maasai warrior's most prized possession and were used to defend herds and the community against predators. Size: 83.4 L x 2.25 W (211.8 cm x 5.7 cm) Traditionally, the Maasai people have viewed the killing of lions as a rite of passage and lion hunting was historically done by individuals. Due to reduced lion populations, however, elders now discourage solo lion hunts and most are instead partaken by groups of 10 warriors. Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #162432
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