Ethiopian Spear (From the Battle of Adwa, 1896)

Bamboo-colored stick with a blackened tip and a pale patch of binding.

This spear from the Battle of Adwa, 1896 is from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the late 19th century. It is bamboo & iron. A spear of this kind pairs a long shaft with an iron blade, so the wood or bamboo provides reach while the metal does the cutting. Straight, slim staff in warm tan and red-brown. Just below the narrow dark blade a lighter band stands out, and the long body is marked by small joints before ending in a fine point. It is 134 inches high.

Wrapped neatly, as if for a long trip.