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ID #SA1197293
FOR SALE
£146
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A 19th Century African Zulu Iron Spear with Vegetable Dye Bristle Shaft , 161cm
For sale by Gilt and Gesso
for sale €171     $185
£146

Gilt and Gesso

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2023
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Id #SA1197293
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A 19th Century African Zulu Iron Spear with Vegetable Dye Bristle Shaft , 161cm

19th century
For Sale by Gilt and Gesso
Description

A 19th Century African Zulu Iron Spear with Vegetable Dye Bristle Shaft , 161cm.

A superbly stylish South African Zulu tribe, tbc, hand forged iron spiked spear with an elaborate vegetable dye natural bristle decoration to the shaft.

A fine antique spear with a hand forged iron spike attached to a wooden pole, with string binding around its body and finely arranged, colourful bristles, showing some wear around the middle section which helps authenticate.

The spear is considered in mostly very good, antique condition, not withstanding a timeworn rubbing of the bristles from handling and a later sharpened lower end but otherwise original.

Please request more photos and any questions invited.

Dispatched U.K. and worldwide within 2-3 working days with tracking.

Physical Dimensions
Height
161cm (63.39")
Width
2cm (0.79")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Declaration

Gilt and Gesso has dated this Antique Zulu Iron Spear to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1197293
Description
A 19th Century African Zulu Iron Spear with Vegetable Dye Bristle Shaft , 161cm.
“
A superbly stylish South African Zulu tribe, tbc, hand forged iron spiked spear with an elaborate vegetable dye natural bristle decoration to the shaft.
Gilt and Gesso
fig 1. A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles.
fig 1. A 19th Century African Zulu Iron Spear with Vegetable Dye Bristle Shaft , 161cm

A fine antique spear with a hand forged iron spike attached to a wooden pole, with string binding around its body and finely arranged, colourful bristles, showing some wear around the middle section which helps authenticate.

fig 2. A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles.
fig 2. A 19th Century African Zulu Iron Spear with Vegetable Dye Bristle Shaft , 161cm

The spear is considered in mostly very good, antique condition, not withstanding a timeworn rubbing of the bristles from handling and a later sharpened lower end but otherwise original.

Please request more photos and any questions invited.

Dispatched U.K. and worldwide within 2-3 working days with tracking.

Height
161cm (63.39")
Width
2cm (0.79")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Date of Manufacture

Gilt and Gesso has dated this Antique Zulu Iron Spear to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1197293
Gilt and Gesso
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gilt and Gesso Profile Page

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A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles.
1 / 8
Archive I A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles.

A 19th Century African Zulu Iron Spear with Vegetable Dye Bristle Shaft , 161cm

Archive II A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles. View II
Archive III A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View

Gilt and Gesso
Telephone 07904 423385
Location
East Sussex
BN21 1DJ
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/giltgesso
Verified Since May 2023
Items For Sale 74
Items Sold 333
Gilt and Gesso
Verified Since May 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: East Sussex, BN21 1DJ , United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/giltgesso
Verified
May 2023
For Sale
74
Sold
333
A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles.
A 19th Century African Zulu Iron Spear with Vegetable Dye Bristle Shaft , 161cm
Ref: SA1197293
A 19th-century African Zulu iron spear featuring an elongated dark forged blade and a shaft wrapped in crimson vegetable-dyed bristles.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTribal Weaponry
  • Period19th century
  • Style19th Century African
  • MaterialIron, Hardwood, Vegetable Fibre
  • ColourDark Brown, Crimson Red
  • MotifsForged iron blade, Dyed bristle shaft, Woven fibre binding
  • SizeH 161 cm (63 in) x W 2 cm (1 in) x D 2 cm (1 in)

This nineteenth-century African Zulu tribal weapon exhibits a hand-forged dark brown iron spike attached to a hardwood pole, complemented by crimson red vegetable-dyed bristles and woven fibre string binding. Visible details include an elongated dark forged blade, fine bristle decoration, and timeworn rubbing around the middle section from handling, alongside a later sharpened lower end. The overall height measures 161 cm, with a width of 2 cm and a depth of 2 cm. Displayed as a decorative object, this piece suits placement on a narrow wall space in a gentleman's library or study. It hangs vertically against a plain backdrop to highlight the contrast between the dark iron tip and the textured red bristle shaft.

FAQs

Zulu spears, including thrusting lances known as iklwa and throwing spears called assegai, played a central role in 19th-century Southern African military strategy and cultural traditions. These objects were forged by metalworkers and held specific social significance within regional communities.

Traditional African spears were constructed using hand-forged iron for the blade and head, set onto carved hardwood shafts. Additional materials, such as woven vegetable fibres, animal hide, or dyed plant bristles, were often bound around the collar for functional grip and ornamentation.

Authentic 19th-century pieces generally exhibit hand-hammered iron with slight surface variations and dark oxidisation from age. Organic materials, such as fibre wrapping or vegetable dyes, will show natural wear, muted colour tones, and signs of aged patination rather than uniform modern finishes.

Ethnographic spears function as sculptural wall art when mounted horizontally or vertically on neutral backdrops. Positioning historical metalwork in hallways, libraries, or above sideboards highlights the structural form and textural contrast against contemporary walls.

Preserve iron and natural fibre artefacts by displaying them in stable indoor environments with controlled humidity to prevent rust and fibre degradation. Clean gently with a soft dry brush, avoiding liquids, harsh chemicals, or abrasive polishes on dyed organic elements.
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