African Spear, Drc, 19th Century

This African spear, like another one I am listing for sale, comes from the DRC, formerly Zaire, formerly the Belgian Congo.
It was brought back at the end of the 19th century, which corresponds to the golden age of blacksmithing in Central Africa, before the use of imported Western iron led to the decline of traditional blacksmithing techniques. In this case, it is indeed handcrafted steel produced from local iron ore.
Precisely identifying the ethnic groups that manufactured these weapons and/or used them remains a delicate issue. Some ethnic groups traded in weapons or forged objects, and trade in goods too kplace along the rivers. Based on cross-referencing, it appears that this weapon can be attributed to north eastern Zaire, probably to the Ngbandi people
SPEAR HEAD: It consists of a long, intricately hammered tip, with a central ridge, two hollow sides, and a slanted cutting edge. This tip is followed by a long ferrule attached to the shaft by a nail. Length of the tip alone: 32 cm; tip and ferrule 64 cm
SHAFT: It is made of hardwood and features a bulge in its lower half. There is acoil of iron strips just past the socket, followed by another above the bulge, and a coil of iron ribbon extending 15 cm down the shaft.
This weapon is of unquestionable authenticity and age.
Shipping costs are the same whether sending one or more spears, so it is possible to combine this with another purchase.
Ref X00-XX2
Shipping cost contribution: France 30€, Europe 40€