An iklwa is a short stabbing spear used by Zulu warriors, featuring a long, broad blade and a short shaft designed for close combat rather than throwing.
The weapon was developed under the Zulu king Shaka in the early 19th century and became central to Zulu military tactics.
The name reportedly imitates the sucking sound the blade makes when withdrawn from a body.
iklwaassegai
African throwing spear
throwing spear · javelin · longbow · pilum · ranged weapons
IDEA.org / Words / iklwa
An iklwa is a short stabbing spear used by Zulu warriors, featuring a long, broad blade and a short shaft designed for close combat rather than throwing.
The weapon was developed under the Zulu king Shaka in the early 19th century and became central to Zulu military tactics.
The name reportedly imitates the sucking sound the blade makes when withdrawn from a body.
combat rangeiklwa ≠ assegai African throwing spear; throwing spear · javelin · longbow · pilum · ranged weapons
weapon design philosophyiklwa ≠ assegai African throwing spear; pike · lance
military doctrineiklwa ≠ shield wall Linked defensive barrier formation; phalanx · defensive formation · guerrilla tactics · retreat
ancient weapons: sword, swords, shield, shields, bow; African weapons: assegai, panga; Zulu War: Cetshwayo, Zulu warriors, assegai, Zululand, British redcoats; bladed weapons: dagger, sword, stiletto, sabre, dirk; throwables: ball, rock, stone, dart, javelin; Nguni Peoples: Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, click consonants, Zululand
Word data: Linguabase (CC0) · www.idea.org/words/iklwa