Lot 71
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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
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#162432
- Condition: Stable fissure to socket of blade and another to socket of butt spike. Possible repair and restoration to base of blade. Expected nicks and chips and abrasions, as well as a few miniscule stable fissures along periphery of blade. Otherwise, excellent with lovely patina throughout.
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| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |