Native American Spears
Native American spears were a vital part of the history and culture of these
indigenous people. They were used primarily for warfare and hunting, the two
most important acts in Native American culture. Though bows and arrows, lances,
knives, hatchets, and clubs were not uncommon, by far the Native American
spear was the weapon of choice for most tribes.
The Native American spears were hand made and were often used as a status
symbol amongst tribes. The shafts of the spears were made of long pieces
of wood, and the tips were made of metal. Most Native American spear tips
were comprised of copper, flint, and obsidian. However, the material that
was used for the tip did vary depending on the tribe, and the region that
particular tribe lived.
Most Native American spears that were used in battle were eight to ten
feet. This allowed warriors to launch the spear at their enemy, or hold
it in their hands and use it in a stabbing motion while remaining some distance
from their rival. However, spears that were used for hunting were usually
twice as long as the ones used in war. This allowed the Indians to keep
their distance from their pray, to avoid scaring them off.
These spears could be used to hunt animals on land or in the water. The
spears that were used for fishing usually had a three pronged tip to catch
the smaller fish that dwelled in the streams and rivers.
Some spears were more symbolic than functional. For example, many Native American spears were used in ceremonies or spiritual dances. They were often
adorned with feathers and decorated with leather.
Today, Native American spears are primarily used for decorative purposes.
They are often bought and sold as souvenirs, in an effort to honor the rich
Native American culture.
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