Nkutshu Iron Spear, Republic of Congo

Over five feet of iron and one very particular idea about the leaf.

A spear from the Republic of Congo, 20th century. Spears were tools for hunting and defense across Central Africa, and smiths often gave the blades distinctive shapes. This blade is long and leaf-shaped, with a raised central rib tapering to a narrow point. The base flares into angular shoulders pierced by two round holes. A slender shaft, wrapped with metal wire near the lower end. The iron is dark and even.

Smiths sign their work with silhouettes.