'Assegai' stabbing spear

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Spear ‘Assegai’, pre 1879
South Africa, Natal, Zulu
Wood, iron & hide

Donated by Lt C Lindsay, 1879
Museum number 1879-63-5

The large broad bladed assegai was invented by the legendary Zulu leader, Shaka (1787? -1828). It was used as a stabbing weapon during melee attacks or man to man combat.