An assegai or assagai
Area of use
The use of various types of the assegai was widespread all over Africa and it was the most common weapon used before the introduction of firearms. The
Zulu people,
Xhosa people, and other
Nguni people tribes of South Africa were renowned for their use of the assegai.
Iklwa
Shaka of the
Zulu people popularized the use of the shorter stabbing spear with a shaft and a larger, broader blade long in warfare, 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ixwa, after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim's wound.
[ Zulu 'Iklwa' war spear, therionarms.com] The traditional spear was not abandoned, but was thrown from range at enemy formations before closing in for close quarters battle with the iklwa. This tactical combination originated during Shaka's military reforms. This weapon was typically used with one hand while the off-hand held a
cowhide Nguni shield for protection.
Botany
It is also the name of a southern African tree (
Curtisia) whose wood was suitable for making spears or lances, most notably by the
Bantu language of southern Africa.
See also
Notes
External links
