Zulu Close-Quarters Stabbing Spear (Iklwa)

Zulu people, late 19th century, South Africa

Magnificent example of a classic Zulu iklwa, the iconic close-quarters stabbing spear perfected under King Shaka. This elegant weapon features a beautifully forged, flattened leaf-shaped steel blade securely mounted with tight woven cane and cow-tail binding onto a slender, polished hardwood shaft ending in a gently swollen butt. Compact, balanced, and deadly, the iklwa was the defining arm of the Zulu warrior and a transformative innovation in 19th-century warfare.

Designed for rapid, forceful thrusting at close range, the iklwa replaced earlier long-throwing spears and became the hallmark weapon of the Zulu impis during the Anglo-Zulu conflicts of the 1870s–80s. Its evocative name—Iklwa—is said to derive from the sound the blade makes when withdrawn from the body. This superb example embodies both the refined craftsmanship and powerful presence associated with historic Zulu arms.

Good condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Slightly bent shaft with rich golden brown patina and few minor worm holes. The size of the spear blade c. 29,0cm x 3,3cm, overall 130,5cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection

References and further reading:

The Zulu of Africa, N.Gleimius, E.Mthimunye, E.Subanyoni, Lerner Publications Company, Minneapolis, 2003.

The Earth and Its Peoples, Bulliet, US: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2008, p. 708.

Zulu, Sue Derwent & Barry Leitch, Cape Town, South Africa: Struik Publishers, 1998.

Lord of the Sky-King of the Earth: Zulu traditional religion and belief in the sky god, Irving Hexham, Studies in Religion, University of Waterloo, 1979.

Zululand and the Zulus: their history, beliefs, customs, military system, home life, legends, etc., etc., and missions to them, James Anson Farrer, Kerby & Endean, Londres, 1879.