Magnificent early Nguni Xhosa Assegai Spear fully bound with wirework

A rare and fine early Southern African stabbing spear ‘Assegai’ or ‘Iklwe’ possibly Zulu or Xhosa.The shaft bound for its entire length with fine brass wirewith further decorative woven bands at intervals. The spearhead forged with a short length of haft protruding having cut notches just below the base of the blade. A rare spear, probably a status piece for a chief, 97 cms. 19th century.