Ethiopian Spear (From the Battle of Adwa, 1896)

Adwa, 1896. Emperor Menelik II’s forces defeated an invading Italian army, secured Ethiopia’s independence, and made a date the country has never forgotten.

This spear is from Ethiopia, late 19th century, and is associated with that battle. It stands over seven feet tall. The long shaft is cut from a single length of pale bamboo, its natural joints clearly marked. A dark, leaf-shaped iron blade is seated at the top above a slim binding, and a darkened butt caps the lower end.

A spare, upright line. It does not need to explain itself.