antique vintage African barbed prestige lance or spear, circa 1900 Congo

Description

Short but sharp blade followed by three times two barbs and partially twisted shank.
Original, vintage African prestige lance or spear from the Ngbandi people in the Congo; around 1900.
These barbed spears were called "zaga" and functioned as prestige objects as well as currency.
Wood shaft either engraved with thin lines or wrapped with thick iron band or wirework.
Short and thick iron finial called "kaba" indicating that this was a valuable spear.
Length: 5 feet.
Weight: 1.8 lbs
For more information, see the book "De Ngbandi naar het leven geschetst" by Basiel Tanghe from 1929.