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Anassegai orassagai[a][2] is apolearm used for throwing, usually a lightspear orjavelin made up of a woodenhandle with an iron tip.
The use of various types of the assegai was widespread all over Africa and it was the most common weapon used before the introduction of firearms. TheZulu,Xhosa, and otherNguni tribes of South Africa were renowned for their use of the assegai.
Shaka of theZulu popularized the use of the shorter stabbing spear with a 610 mm (24 in) shaft and a larger, broader blade 300 mm (12 in) long in warfare, which was traditionally used primarily as a hunting spear. This weapon is otherwise known as theiklwa orixwa, after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim's wound.[3][4] The traditional spear was not abandoned, but was thrown from range at enemy formations before closing in forclose quarters battle with the iklwa. This tactical combination originated duringShaka's military reforms. This weapon was typically used with one hand while the off-hand held acowhideshield for protection.
It is also the name of a southern African tree (Curtisia dentata) whose wood was suitable for making spears or lances, most notably by theBantu-speaking people of southern Africa.
The dictionary definition ofassegai at Wiktionary