Zulu Iklwa Spear

Zulu Iklwa Spear 600314

Zulu Iklwa is the famous large-bladed, short-handled spear carved by one of the most important early African nations. High carbon tempered steel. Wooden handle reinforced with brass wire.

Zulu "Iklwa" is the popular large-bladed, short-handled spear that distinguishes one of the most renowned of early African peoples.

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The Zulu warrior carried as weapons the attacking spear, the iklwa (so vital that its misuse could be punished by execution) and the club or iwisa , made of hard wood, which they used to beat their enemies. Zulu officers often carried a Zulu axe, but this weapon was really more a symbol of their rank. The iklwa - so named because of the sucking sound it made when drawn from a human body - with its long, broad blade was the invention of Shaka (known as Shaka Zulu, the tribal chief who grew this small tribe into the most powerful warrior nation in Africa) and it replaced the older throwing ipapa (so named because of the "pa-pa" sound heard when it flew through the air).

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This spear could be used in close-range fighting and as a throwing weapon, but while Shaka reigned warriors were forbidden to throw them, as this would disarm them and give their opponents a weapon to throw at them. Shaka felt that the long spear discouraged warriors in hand-to-hand combat. Shaka's brother and successor Dingane advocated greater use of the throwing spear, perhaps in an attempt to counter the Boer firearms.

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

• Overall: 127 cm
• Sheet: 33 cm x 6 cm x 0.47 cm
• Weight: 1,135 gr