This is a great example of a 19th Century Matabele Iklwa. The Matabele were a warlike tribe living in Matabeleland, modern day Zimbabwe and were closely related to the Zulu of South Africa.
Many Matabele weapons, like this one, were collected as souvenirs after the Matabele War of 1893-1894, fought between the British South Africa Company under the direction of Cecil Rhodes, and the Matabele King, Lobengula.
The Matabele War was a war of colonial expansion, a race to secure the mining and mineral rights of an as yet, un-tapped country, and the warlike Matabele were in the way. The Matabele War was the first time that the Maxim gun (the Worlds’ first machinegun) was deployed by Britain. The Matabele lost over 10,000 men during the conflict, compared to the 100 British casualties.
The 250mm spearhead has a raised medial ridge and a short, faceted tang set into the haft of the spear. The blade is 32mm at its widest and is in good condition with a great patina that adds to its character. The style and fabrication of Matabele iklwa blades was the same as for Zulu iklwa, and Matabele weapons are often confused (and miss-sold) as being Zulu in origin.
The blade is secured firmly within the haft and woven brass wire (identical to Zulu wire weaving) was added to strengthen the bond. The wire is in very good condition. The blade is firm in the haft.
The haft has some age cracks with a beautifully carved ball to the end and a wonderful patina. The ball finial served the same purpose as the flared end to many Zulu iklwa. The total length of the iklwa is just over 44 inches/112cm.
This excellent 19th Century Matabele Iklwa will make a superb addition to any collection.
