Zulu Iklwa. 1879 Zulu War Stabbing Spear.
This fantastic Zulu Iklwa is a Zulu War bring back and dates to the late 1870’s. It is believed that this Iklwa was brought back after the sacking of the Zulu capital, Ulundi in 1879.
The very long 48.5cm diamond section hand forged blade is approximately 4cm at its widest and is in great condition with a wonderful patina and minor age related pitting that adds to its character.
Traditional Zulu woven palm binding secures the blade firmly within the wooden haft. The woven palm binding is in great condition and remains tight.
The 59cm haft has a wonderful patina and flares nicely at the end.
While the Zulu King, Ceteswayo, was responsible for providing his Impis with shields, the individual Zulu warrior was responsible for his own weaponry. As such, the length and breadth of a warriors Iklwa blade was very much a status symbol. The more steel a warrior could afford to purchase the wealthier and more important he was. Similarly, the shorter the haft of the Iklwa the closer the warrior had to get to his enemy to perform a killing thrust. The shorter the Iklwa’s total length, the braver the warrior wielding it.
This Iklwa has a total length of 107.5cm. The huge blade is almost as long as the wooden haft.
This was a very high status weapon for a senior warrior and will make a great addition to any Anglo-Zulu War collection
