Tag: spear

A spear is a pole weapon consisting of a shaft, usually of wood, with a pointed head. The head may be simply the sharpened end of the shaft itself, as is the case with bamboo spears, or it may be made of a more durable material fastened to the shaft, such as flint, obsidian, iron, steel or bronze. The most common design for hunting or combat spears since ancient times has incorporated a metal spearhead shaped like a triangle, lozenge or leaf, and the heads of fishing spears usually feature barbs or serrated edges.

The spear has been used throughout human history both as a hunting and fishing tool and as a weapon. As a weapon, it may be wielded with either one hand or two, was used in virtually every conflict up until the modern era, and was most likely the most commonly used weapon. Variant forms of the spear include the javelin, a spear designed to be thrown at the enemy; the lance, a heavy spear designed to be used by charging cavalry; and the pike, a very long thrusting spear; among others.