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Vintage Kenyan Maasai Throwing Spear Vintage African Maasai Throwing Spear
Kenya • Hand-Carved Warrior Shaft • Detachable Forged Iron Ends • 45 Inches
Description
Offered is a striking vintage African Maasai throwing spear from Kenya, measuring approximately 45 inches long. This is the shorter Maasai throwing-spear form rather than the much longer standing or fighting spear.
The hardwood shaft is hand carved with a stylized Maasai tribe women. The figure has an elongated face, long limbs, incised geometric details and a shield-like element extending across the torso. This figural carving gives the spear exceptional sculptural appeal and makes it more unusual than standard plain-shaft examples.
Forged iron spear components are fitted at both ends of the wooden shaft. The metal ends detach from the carved wooden handle for easier storage and transportation, then can be reinserted for display.
Distinctive features: carved Maasai warrior, removable forged iron ends, rich reddish-brown wood patina and strong East African decorative appeal. Item Details Object TypeShort Maasai throwing spear / tribal display spear Country of OriginKenya Cultural AttributionMaasai / Masai Overall LengthApproximately 45.5 inches MaterialsHand-carved hardwood and forged iron ConstructionCarved figural shaft with detachable iron components DesignStylized standing Maasai tribesman with incised decoration Estimated PeriodMid to later 20th century ColorWarm reddish-brown wood with dark aged iron Features
- Hand-carved Maasai warrior incorporated into the shaft
- Two detachable forged iron ends
- Shorter throwing-spear size
- Rich natural wood patina
- Incised geometric and linear decoration
- Excellent African tribal-art display piece
- Suitable for ethnographic, weapon and folk-art collections
Condition
Vintage condition with age-related wear, scratches, oxidation, minor surface losses and handmade irregularities. The iron shows darkening, oxidation and visible forging marks. The wood has a warm patina, surface wear and tool marks consistent with age and handling. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Shipping
The detachable iron components may be removed from the wooden shaft and individually wrapped for safer transportation. Both pointed ends will be securely protected and the item carefully packed.
Collector appeal: The carved warrior shaft makes this example considerably more decorative and unusual than a standard Kenyan spear and gives it strong appeal as both a cultural object and sculptural display piece.
Cultural and age attribution is based on visual characteristics and available seller information. No independent authentication, named artist or documented field provenance accompanies the object. Buyers should rely on the photographs and their own expertise when evaluating the piece.
Carefully Packed • Accurate Photographs • Questions Welcome Before Purchase