This finally wrought, razor sharp, South African spear head known most commonly as an Assegai was once in the collection of arms expert and prolific dealer Patrick Donnelley. Shaka the great Zulu general and chief perfected the use of the shorter stabbing which was traditionally used primarily as a hunting spear. This weapon is otherwise known as the iklwa or ixwa, after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim's wound. This weapon was typically used with one hand while the offhand held a large cow-hide shield for protection. This 18th or 19th century example, and the knobkerry (club), were the principal arms carried by the formidable Zulu warriors, "the Spartans of the Velt", at the massacre of Isandlwana and Defense of Rorke's Drift in 1879. Mr. Donnelley in about 1975 acquired this exact example in trade from the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario. Just prior to his death, about 3 years ago, Mr. Donnelley actually had a minute sample cut from the blade to test it for native, Western European or perhaps meteorite steal. Sadly, these results did not pass (were not found) to his son as the assegai was. The spear head is 24 1/2 inches in total length. The blade is 19 inches long and 2 inches wide at its widest point. There is no rust or pitting. The printed tag reading "South Africa 1877-79" was affixed when once in a Zulu War display long before Mr. Donnelley acquired it. Museum quality.  [pe][ph:L]

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