Archaic Turka Lance

This example is of a form whose examples, in my experience, are always well corroded, apparently from interment underground. I believe this style is the archetype of the classic Turka “snake lance” which generally sport a patina typical of iron stored indoors for long periods of time. This lance, and those with similar patina and form appeare to be of archeological origin. According to Andre Blandin in “Fer Noire” lances of this general type date to the 19th century and were the works of the blacksmiths of Samory in what is today Burkina Faso. He describes the piece as Bobo. Binger, reported seeing these during his journey of 1887-89, recorded their name as sanegue. The form may be based on period French bayonets. By 1919 the French had confiscated all sanegue except those secreted by the population who must have held them in some esteem as scores remained cached until the early 90s. Several appear in Wheelock where they are identified as Turka. An old and beautiful example of a rare West African weapon. 20″ long.

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