Zulu Iklwa Spear - Ref 600314

Zulu "Iklwa" is the popular spear with the large blade and short handle that distinguishes one of the most renowned primitive African peoples.

The Zulu warrior carried as weapons the attack spear, the iklwa (so vital that its loss could be punished with execution) and the mallet or iwisa, made of hard wood that they used to hit enemies. Zulu officers often carried a Zulu axe, but this weapon was really more of a symbol of their rank. The iklwa - so named because of the sucking sound it produced when extracted from a human body - with its long, wide blade was an invention of Shaka (known as Shaka Zulu), a tribal chief, who turned this small tribe into the nation mightiest warrior in Africa) and which replaced the old throwing ipapa (named for the "pa-pa" sound heard when it flew through the air).

This spear could be used in fighting short distance and as a throwing weapon, but while Shaka reigned, warriors were prohibited from throwing them, as they would be left unarmed and give opponents a weapon to throw at them. Shaka considered that the long spear discouraged warriors in close combat. Shaka"s brother and successor Dingane advocated greater use of the throwing spear, perhaps in an attempt to counter Boer firearms.

Accompanied by a hide shield, this spear is the perfect size for hand-to-hand combat. It has a blade of tempered steel with high carbon content. Wooden handle reinforced with brass wire. The Zulu "Iklwa" is a must have for history buffs or military weapon collectors.

Overall: 127cm
Sheet: 33cm x 6cm x 0.47cm
Weight: 1.135 g
Manufactured by Windlass Steelcrafts®