African Zulu Iklwa spear, 127 cm.

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 actually 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, broad blade was the invention of Shaka (known as Shaka Zulu), tribal chief, who turned this small tribe into the nation most powerful warrior in Africa) and replaced the old throwing ipapa (named after the 'pa-pa' sound heard when it flew through the air).

This spear could be used in close range fighting and as a throwing weapon, but during Shaka's reign warriors were prohibited from throwing it, as it would render them unarmed and give opponents a weapon to throw at them. Shaka considered 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 to try to counter the Boer firearms.

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