An assegai or assagai 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
Dingiswayo, ruler of his Zulu tribe, whose chief lieutenant was Shaka, popularized the use of the shorter stabbing spear with a shaft and a larger, broader blade 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 This weapon is otherwise known as the iklwa or ixwa, after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim's wound.Zulu 'Iklwa' war spear, therionarms.com The traditional spear was not abandoned, but was thrown from range at enemy formations before closing in for close quarters battle with the iklwa. This weapon was typically used with one hand while the off-hand held a cowhide shield for protection.
Botany It is also the name of a southern African tree (Curtisia dentata) whose wood was suitable for making spears or lances, most notably by the Bantu-speaking people of southern Africa.
See also Soliferrum Rarabe kaPhalo Falarica Pilum Battle of Amalinde Almogavars Shaka's military reforms Assegai Tree, Curtisia dentata
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