"it ""zaġāya"", but the English term, derived from the Old French via Berber, is ""assegai"". It is a pole weapon used for throwing or hurling, usually a light spear or javelin made of hard wood and pointed with a forged iron tip.The ""az-zaġāyah"" played an important role during the Islamic conquest as well as during later periods, well into the 20th century. A longer pole ""az-zaġāyah"" was being used as a hunting weapon from horseback. The ""az-zaġāyah"" was widely used. It existed in various forms in areas stretching from Southern Africa to the Indian subcontinent, although these places already had"
"As weapons, the Zulu warrior carried the ""iklwa"" stabbing spear (losing one could result in execution) and a club or cudgel fashioned from dense hardwood known in Zulu as the ""iwisa"", usually called the knobkerrie in English, for beating an enemy in the manner of a mace. Zulu officers often carried the Zulu Axe, but this weapon was more of a symbol to show their rank. The iklwa – so named because of the sucking sound it made when withdrawn from a human body – with its long (c. 25 cm [9.4 in]) and broad blade was an invention of"
"early 19th century set off a competition for land and water resources among the peoples of the area. Other possible causes were the Zulus' adoption of new tactics and weapons during this period. Instead of using throwing spears, the Zulus used broad-bladed, stabbing spears known as ""iklwa"", which were deadly in close combat. The Zulus also instituted a form of conscription, in which every man had to serve the king as soldier in special age regiments, known in English as impis. Many of the Nguni peoples adopted the same practice, putting most of their men under arms. This greatly expanded"
"and which had a larger, broader blade one foot long. This weapon is otherwise known as the ""iklwa"" or ""ixwa"", after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim's wound. It was used as a stabbing weapon during mêlée attacks. The traditional spear was not discarded but was used for a softening range attack on enemy formations before closing in for close quarters battle with the iklwa. This tactical combination originated during Shaka's military reforms. It is also the name of a southern African tree (""Curtisia dentata"") whose wood was suitable for making spears or lances,"
"Nguni shield A Nguni shield is a traditional, pointed oval-shaped, ox or cowhide shield which is used by various ethnic groups among the Nguni people of southern Africa. Currently it is used by diviners or for ceremonial and symbolic purposes, and many are produced for the tourist market. A cow-hide shield is known as isihlangu, ihawu or ingubha in Zulu, and ikhaka or ikhawu in Xhosa. Strictly speaking these native names denote shields of different application, and additional types are known by other names. War shields were traditionally stockpiled by a chief or king, to whom they belonged, while a"
"have used the javelin as their main weapon since ancient times. Typical African warfare was based on ritualized stand-off encounters involving throwing javelins without advancing for close combat. In the flag of Swaziland there is a shield and two javelins, which symbolize the protection from the country's enemies. The Zulu warriors used a long version of the assegai javelin as their primary weapon. The Zulu legendary leader Shaka initiated military reforms in which a short stabbing spear, with a long, swordlike spearhead named iklwa had become the Zulu warrior's main weapon and was used as a mêlée weapon. The assegai"
"Sabre The sabre (British English) or saber (American English) is a type of backsword with a curved blade associated with the light cavalry of the early modern and Napoleonic periods. Originally associated with Central-Eastern European cavalry such as the hussars, the sabre became widespread in Western Europe in the Thirty Years' War. Lighter sabres also became popular with infantry of the late 17th century. In the 19th century, models with less curving blades became common and were also used by heavy cavalry. The last sabre issued to US cavalry was the Patton saber of 1913. Szabla wz. 34 was the"
"consisted of the standard cutting, thrusting and smashing weapons. Spears were less strong than those evolved later in southern Africa under the Zulu, and doubled as throwing and thrusting implements. The bow and arrow found wide use, with relatively weak bow strength being offset by the use of poisoned arrows in many areas. Use of bowmen to defend fortifications was significant, and peoples like the Yoruba sometimes used crossbows for this purpose. Bow strength is reported by many observers as averaging only approximately 40 pounds at full draw, although simple one-piece bows with some of the largest draw-weights in the"
"the casing. In close combat, it could be wielded as a stick. In Malaysia, the orang asli (indigenous tribes) are considered the greatest masters of the blowpipe. Tribes such as the Iban of Sarawak used a hollow spear which could shoot arrows, thus combining the characteristics of a projectile and hand-to-hand weapon. Literally meaning spike or nail, the paku is a shuriken-like throwing dart, based on the Chinese ""piau"" or ""biu"". Early forms were 2-3 inches long and pointed at both ends. Its small size and double point were intended to make the weapon more difficult for the victim to"
"up until the modern era, where even then it continues on in the form of the bayonet, and is probably the most commonly used weapon in history. Spear manufacture and use is not confined to humans. It is also practiced by the western chimpanzee. Chimpanzees near Kédougou, Senegal have been observed to create spears by breaking straight limbs off trees, stripping them of their bark and side branches, and sharpening one end with their teeth. They then used the weapons to hunt galagos sleeping in hollows. Archaeological evidence found in present-day Germany documents that wooden spears have been used for"
"with a long, curved blade popularly among the samurai and the Buddhist warrior-monks, often used against cavalry; the yari was a longer polearm, with a straight-bladed spearhead, which became the weapon of choice of both the samurai and the ashigaru (footmen) during the Warring States Era, The horseback samurai used shorter yari for his single-armed combat, on the other hand, ashigaru infantries used long yari (similar with European pike) for their massed combat formation. Filipino spears (sibat) were used as both a weapon and a tool throughout the Philippines. It is also called a ""bangkaw"" (after the Bankaw Revolt.), ""sumbling"""
"the horn of buffalo. In total, the dagger is 17¼"" long. The sheath is made of sheepskin, and the sword is worn on a belt around the waist. Billao A billao (), also known as a belawa, is a horn-hilted Somali shortsword. It served most notably as a close-quarters weapon in the Dervish State, at the turn of the 20th century. The dagger has a double-edged, leaf-shaped, asymmetrical blade and a three-pronged pommel. One-pronged pommels with the metal tang protruding out from the center of the hilt have been reported. Together, the grip and pommel are 6¾"" in circumference. The"
"Sibat Sibat is the Filipino word for spear, used as a weapon or tool by natives of the Philippines. The term is used in Tagalog and Kinaray-a. It also called ""bangkaw"", ""sumbling"" or ""palupad"" in the islands of Visayas and Mindanao. Sibat are typically made with rattan, bamboo, bahi or other hardwood, either with a sharpened tip or a head made from metal. These heads may either be single-edged, double-edged or barbed. Styles vary according to function and origin. For example, a sibat designed for fishing may not be the same as those used for hunting wild game such as"
"smaller shield was reserved for his subordinates' personal daily use, or as a complement at their dancing ceremonies. True Nguni shields are made of raw cattle hide, as the esteemed Sanga-Nguni cattle lend distinction to the shields, which are more than mere commodities for physical protection. Amongst the Zulus, there are various named varieties of these shields, each with a specific use. The large war shield, of about 1.5 meters in length, is known as an ""isihlangu"", which means ""to brush aside"". It was king Shaka's shield of choice, and he intended his warriors to use it in an offensive"
"Spear A spear is a pole weapon consisting of a shaft, usually of wood, with a pointed head. The head may be simply the sharpened end of the shaft itself, as is the case with fire hardened spears, or it may be made of a more durable material fastened to the shaft, such as flint, obsidian, iron, steel or bronze. The most common design for hunting or combat spears since ancient times has incorporated a metal spearhead shaped like a triangle, lozenge, or leaf. The heads of fishing spears usually feature barbs or serrated edges. The word ""spear"" comes from"
"Langgai Tinggang Langgai Tinggang (other names also include Langgai Tinggan, Langgi Tinggang, Mandau Langgi Tinggan) is a traditional sword of the Sea Dayak people, originating from Borneo. The name Langgai Tinggang means ""the longest tail-feather of a hornbill"". This sword is almost identical to Niabor, but with a hilt resembling that of Mandau. The blade has a convex edge and concave back. On both sides a broad rib runs from the finger guard to the tip. The finger guard is smaller than of the Niabor and is further removed from the hilt. Unlike the finger guard of the Niabor, the"
"thrown and unthrown. Their aim was impeccable, having been honed by fishing and hunting. The spear may be of ""nibong"" wood or bamboo, single-pronged or three-pronged, barbed or unbarbed, and tipped with wood or steel. Contact with the southern Philippines and the Sulu sultanate of Borneo allowed the Bajau to acquire other weapons through barter, specifically swords, shields, lances and parang. The most notable Bajau style of pencak silat is centered in Kendari. It is characterized by cross-legged stances and rapid turning, designed to be used in cramped spaces such as boats. Generalizations in pencak silat technique are very difficult;"
"in a wide range of blade shapes, often of Chinese derivation. A trident, the weaponised form of the ""serampang"" or three-pronged fishing-spear. A related weapon is the ""lembing tikam pari"" or three-barbed spear. Asian mythology links the trident with the supernatural, so it is sometimes called ""tongkat sakti"" or magic staff. The word trisula is sometimes also used when referring to the tekpi or short-handled trident A primitive spear or javelin constructed from a sharpened stick of bamboo. The difference between the terms is that ""seligi"" refers to the dart or spear intended for throwing. Sumatrans would make short lances"
"the Old English ""spere"", from the Proto-Germanic ""speri"", from a Proto-Indo-European root ""*sper-"" ""spear, pole"". Spears can be divided into two broad categories: those designed for thrusting in melee combat and those designed for throwing (usually referred to as javelins). The spear has been used throughout human history both as a hunting and fishing tool and as a weapon. Along with the axe, knife and club, it is one of the earliest and most important tools developed by early humans. As a weapon, it may be wielded with either one hand or two. It was used in virtually every conflict"
"Nguni stick-fighting Nguni stick-fighting (also known as ""donga"", or ""dlala 'nduku"", which literally translates as 'playing sticks') is a martial art traditionally practiced by teenage Nguni herdboys in South Africa. Each combatant is armed with two long sticks, one of which is used for defense and the other for offense. Little armor is used. Although Nguni/Xhosa styles of fighting may use only two sticks, variations of Bantu/Nguni stick-fighting throughout Southern Africa incorporate shields as part of the stick-fighting weaponry. Zulu stick-fighting uses an ""isikhwili"" or attacking stick, an ""ubhoko"" or defending stick and an ""ihawu"" or defending shield. The object"
"the present day, as well as being revived in recent years for sporting purposes. In the United States the Nahuatl word ""atlatl"" is often used for revived uses of spear-throwers, and in Australia the Aboriginal word ""woomera"". The ancient Greeks and Romans used a leather thong or loop, known as an ""ankule"" or ""amentum"", as a spear-throwing device. Spear-thrower designs may include improvements such as thong loops to fit the fingers, the use of flexible shafts, stone balance weights, and thinner, highly flexible darts for added power and range. Darts resemble large arrows or thin spears and are typically from"
"Billao A billao (), also known as a belawa, is a horn-hilted Somali shortsword. It served most notably as a close-quarters weapon in the Dervish State, at the turn of the 20th century. The dagger has a double-edged, leaf-shaped, asymmetrical blade and a three-pronged pommel. One-pronged pommels with the metal tang protruding out from the center of the hilt have been reported. Together, the grip and pommel are 6¾"" in circumference. The billao's blade is made of iron or steel, and is 10½"" long and 2½"" wide. Though other horn types are also used, the handle is typically made from"
"all Gurkha regiments throughout the world, so much so that some English-speakers refer to the weapon as a ""Gurkha blade"" or ""Gurkha knife"". The kukri often appears in Nepalese and Indian Gorkha heraldry and is used in many traditional rituals such as wedding ceremonies. The ""kukri"", ""khukri"", and ""kukkri"" spellings are of Indian origin, the original Nepali form being ""khukuri"". Researchers trace the origins of the blade back to the domestic sickle and the prehistoric bent stick used for hunting and later in hand-to-hand combat. Similar implements have existed in several forms throughout South Asia and were used both as"
"Swiss saber The Swiss sabre (German, ""Schweizersäbel"") is a type of backsword or early sabre design that was popular in Early Modern Switzerland. Unlike the terms Swiss degen (""Schweizerdegen"") and Swiss dagger (""Schweizerdolch"") which are attested in the 16th century, ""Schweizersäbel"" is a modern term, coined by antiquarian and curator of the Swiss National Museum Eduard Achilles Gessler (1880-1947) in his 1914 publication on the topic. The contemporary term for this weapon was ""Schnepf"" or ""Schnäpf"", literally ""snipe"", apparently based on likening the blade to the beak of this kind of bird. Swiss sabres have single-edged, slightly curved blades which"
"the first evidence of systematic use of weapons in a species other than humans. Researchers documented 22 occasions when wild chimpanzees on a savanna in Senegal fashioned sticks into ""spears"" to hunt lesser bushbabies (""Galago senegalensis""). In each case, a chimpanzee modified a branch by breaking off one or two ends and, frequently using its teeth, sharpened the stick. The tools, on average, were about 60 cm (24 in) long and 1.1 cm (0.4 in) in circumference. The chimpanzee then jabbed the spear into hollows in tree trunks where bushbabies sleep. There was a single case in which a chimpanzee"
"Kampilan The kampilan (Baybayin: ; Abecedario: ""Campilan"") is a type of single-edged long sword, traditionally used by various ethnic groups in the Philippine archipelago. The ""kampilan"" has a distinct profile, with the tapered blade being much broader and thinner at the point than at its base, sometimes with a protruding spikelet along the flat side of the tip and a bifurcated hilt which is believed to represent a mythical creature's open mouth. The Maguindanaons and the Maranaos of mainland Mindanao preferred this weapon as opposed to the Tausūg of Sulu who favoured the ""barung"". The Kapampangan name of the Kampilan"
"katana, wakizashi and tanto are carried by some infantry and officers in Japan and other parts of Asia and the kukri is the official melee weapon for Nepal. Other swords in use today are the sabre, the scimitar, the shortsword and the machete. The sword consists of the blade and the hilt. The term ""scabbard"" applies to the cover for the sword blade when not in use. There is considerable variation in the detailed design of sword blades. The diagram opposite shows a typical Medieval European sword. Early iron blades have rounded points due to the limited metallurgy of the"
"precious metal, iron and brass. The Nias used spears, swords and blades as their weapon. The Nias spear (""toto'a doho"" in the south, ""toho"" in the north) was mainly used for hunting; the shaft is made of dark hardwood of ""nibung"" palm wrapped with rattan. Other type of spears are the ""burusa"", with a triangle-shaped head. The Nias sword (""gari"") is a combat weapon; both the sword and its sheath have simple undecorated form. The most well-known of the Nias weapon is the ""balato or tolögu"", a steel sword with a protective amulet believed to possess magical power. The ""balato"""
"1 of the television series ""."" Nguni stick-fighting Nguni stick-fighting (also known as ""donga"", or ""dlala 'nduku"", which literally translates as 'playing sticks') is a martial art traditionally practiced by teenage Nguni herdboys in South Africa. Each combatant is armed with two long sticks, one of which is used for defense and the other for offense. Little armor is used. Although Nguni/Xhosa styles of fighting may use only two sticks, variations of Bantu/Nguni stick-fighting throughout Southern Africa incorporate shields as part of the stick-fighting weaponry. Zulu stick-fighting uses an ""isikhwili"" or attacking stick, an ""ubhoko"" or defending stick and an"
"longer Celtic swords, or whether it served as a model for the various arming swords and Viking swords of Europe. The ""spatha"" remained popular throughout the Migration Period. It evolved into the knightly sword of the High Middle Ages by the 12th century. The word comes from the Latin ""spatha"", which derives from Greek """" (""spáthē""), meaning ""any broad blade, of wood or metal"" but also ""broad blade of a sword"". The Greek word was used in the middle archaic period for various types of Iron Age swords. The word does not appear in Homeric Greek, but it is mentioned"
"Takoba Takoba (also ""takuba"" or ""takouba"") is the sword that is used across the western Sahel and among ethnic groups such as the Tuareg, the Hausa, and the Fulani. It usually measures about one meter in length. Takoba blades are straight and double edged with a pronounced tapering towards the tip; they can exhibit several notable features, including three or more hand-ground fuller grooves and a rounded point. Since the Tuareg have an aversion to touching iron, the takoba's hilt, like many iron implements, is fully covered. Typically the simple but deep crossguard is of iron sheet, or iron-framed wood,"
"spear"". The word reappears on the title page of the 15th-century witch-finding book ""Malleus Maleficarum"": ""MALLEUS MALEFICARUM, Maleficas, & earum hæresim, ut ""phramea"" potentissima conterens."" (""The Hammer of Witches, which destroys witches and their heresy as with a very mighty sword"". Icelandic, the modern language as well as the language of the Sagas, has the word »frami« (distinction, renown, fame). This word was in earlier times strongly connected with warfare, but its use as a name of a weapon is not known. Migration Period spear The spear or lance, together with the bow, the sword, the seax and the shield,"
"maru is treated similarly to a dagger, used for stabbing. Maduvu The maduvu (; Marathi: ""madhu"", Hindi: ""singhauta""), also known as a ""maru"" or ""madu"", is a weapon from the Indian subcontinent. Most commonly called maru, it is also referred to as ""maan kombu"" after the deer horns from which it is made. The weapon typically consists of two blackbuck horns pointing in opposite directions connected by two crossbars which also act as a handle. Later variations were often tipped with steel and sometimes fitted with a plate of leather or steel to act as a shield. In the Panjab,"