Wiki shaka zulu

Wooden African javelin pointed with iron or fire-hardened tip

This article is about the type of spear. For other uses, see Assegai (disambiguation).

An assegai or assagai^[a][2] is a polearm used for throwing, usually a light spear or javelin made up of a wooden handle with an iron tip.

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, Xhosa, and other Nguni tribes of South Africa were renowned for their use of the assegai.

Iklwa

Shaka of the Zulu popularized the use of the shorter stabbing spear with a 610 mm (24 in) shaft and a larger, broader blade 300 mm (12 in) 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This weapon is otherwise known as the iklwa or ixwa, after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim's wound.^[3][4]