Fun Fact #316 The Spear of Doom

 Fun Fact #316

The Spear of Doom

At the time of introduction, Warfare in Southern Africa was more a formal affair designed to limit casualties on both sides by standing apart and hurling insults or spears until one side gave up. Then came Shaka Zulu who took advantage of his foe’s lack of close combat by introducing the thrusting spear. The weapon proved so effective it became named for the sound it made when entering someone’s gut: The Iklwa. Actually it proved too effective, triggering the Mfecane (Translated as “The Crushing”) leading to the new style of combat depopulating and disorganizing the region, leading to their colonization in the early 1800s. The weapon is steel made by Windlass Steel Crafts today.

 

Iklwa as shown in “Forged in Fire” on the History Channel.