Asoro
Description
Asoro (spears) were used as weapons. The tip of the long wooden shaft would either be carved from wood or made of iron and hafted to the shaft. Iron tips would have been made by the Igun Eyeanugie, who are part of the Igun-Ematon and have the responsibility of making weapons. Asoro made from iron and wood were used by specially trained warriors in the Benin armies (Osadolor, 2001, p.117).... Read more
Asoro (spears) were used as weapons. The tip of the long wooden shaft would either be carved from wood or made of iron and hafted to the shaft. Iron tips would have been made by the Igun Eyeanugie, who are part of the Igun-Ematon and have the responsibility of making weapons.
Asoro made from iron and wood were used by specially trained warriors in the Benin armies (Osadolor, 2001, p.117). According to Osadolor (2001, p.109), there were two types: long and short. They would be used with shields as well as crossbows and arrows during battle, and on relief plaques they are depicted being carried by warriors and even the Ọba. Some spears are cast in brass, and these likely served a ceremonial rather than practical function.
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23 objects
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