Description: Kenya Gun
(click on photos for details)
Discovered in Kenya Africa by French collector Cyril Malzac, this speargun is an excellent example of the fundamental mechanical necessities of spearguns, a propulsion source, an ability to hold and maintain the ability to propel and an effective means of releasing the spear. Certain aspects of this speargun indicate it to be a more contemporary implement than the Timor / Sumba speargun. The age of this implement is indeterminable; however it is a wonderful illustration of the application of available materials to meet the requirements of design.
The spear is held in place at the fore end of the speargun by lashing a ring atop the wooden stock with fibrous lashing. A protrusion is carved in the main body of the wooden stock to serve as a pivot point while an indent is carved into the locking / release lever which is lashed in place with the same fibrous lashing at the fore end. To serve as a locking device at the spear interface, a small piece of metal is nailed into the fore end of the locking / release lever. In order to provide a secure surface with which to hold the spear, a key is nailed in place on the main wooden stock. The spear, when in position, is locked in a pinching manner, with the small piece of metal on the locking /release lever, which fits into a small notch in the top of the spear.
To fire the spear the user depresses the aft end of the locking / release lever, lifting the locking interface, thereby releasing the spear.
Propulsion material appears to be cut from rubber tire inner tube, which is lashed to a metal loop, (wish bone).
Figure 1: Carved protrusion in wooden stock serves as pivot point |
Figure 2: Spear held at muzzle with ring and fibrous lashing. |
Figure 3: To fire user depresses aft end of the locking / release lever. |
Figure 4: Spear locked with metal on release lever, which fits into a small notch in spear. |
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