Zulu Iklwa. 1879 Zulu War Stabbing Spear.
This fantastic Zulu Iklwa is a Zulu War bring back and dates to the late 1870’s. After the punitive attack on the Zulu capitol of Ulundi in 1879, many such trophies were collected by the troops and brought back to the UK as souvenirs. Finding one now-a-days however is not so easy!
The long 450mm hand forged blade has a flattened diamond section with a raised medial ridge. The blade is 43mm at its widest and is in good condition with a pleasing patina and clear forging marks that add to its character.
The blade is secured firmly within the haft and woven ilala palm binding was added to strengthen the bond. The woven binding is in excellent condition.
The 890mm haft has a wonderful patina and flares nicely at the end. The Cape Lancewood haft has some age related splits that have been filled. The splits are stable and the haft is strong.
While the Zulu King was responsible for providing his warriors (Impis) with shields, the individual Zulu warrior was responsible for his own weaponry. As such, the length and breadth of a warrior’s Iklwa blade was very much a status symbol. The more steel a warrior could afford to purchase and have forged into a blade, the wealthier and more important he was.
This Iklwa has a total length of 1,343mm (134.3cm).
This was a high status weapon for a senior warrior and will make a great addition to any Anglo-Zulu War collection.
