I leave for the United States in approximately 30 hours. I am trying to pack and I have run into a couple difficulties. The most prominent packing issue so far has been a 7 foot spear I bought from a Samburu warrior. These spears are used by the men to protect their livestock from lions and other animals. They are also used in traditional dances and hunting before the rite of passage into manhood. Anyway, the spears are pretty cool. One warrior really wanted to sell me his spear in Samburu district and I bought it for 1,300 shillings (about $20 US). The spear disassembles into three pieces and I thought that the pieces would fit in my suitcase. (Over-estimating the size of my suitcase seems to be a consistent issue I have during African shopping expeditions. In Malawi I bought a goat-skin shield that also wouldn't fit in my suitcase). Anyway, my current idea is to try to carry on the spear onto the airplane. Maybe the security guards will think that it is a touristy spear that isn't even sharp. What do you think? (Even though the 6 inch blade that the tip of the spear is sharp it has to have a leather cover to prevent it from cutting other items unintentionally). Any ideas?
Warriors in Samburu dancing with their spears.
One part of the dance is a competition to see who can jump the highest.
My suitcase and the spear pieces that won't fit. hmmmmm. Oh, I forgot to mention that I also have a drum that is too big (in diameter) for my suitcase. What was I thinking?
Here is a picture of me with the tip of my very cool, but hard to transport spear. It is hard to see from this picture, but it is very sharp.
Warriors in Samburu dancing with their spears.
One part of the dance is a competition to see who can jump the highest. 
My suitcase and the spear pieces that won't fit. hmmmmm. Oh, I forgot to mention that I also have a drum that is too big (in diameter) for my suitcase. What was I thinking?
Here is a picture of me with the tip of my very cool, but hard to transport spear. It is hard to see from this picture, but it is very sharp. 
Posts
3 comments:
First bundle the spear pieces together with string or tape, maybe cover this with socks. Add another stick if you think the spear is not strong enough for airport baggage handlers. Then tie the bundle to the handle of the suitcase. Or put the bundle in the suitcase sticking out the zipper, sewing the bundle down with dental floss or string so it doesn’t come out. I would not try to carry it on. You could end up in a security office for awhile. You need to confirm your flight with Ethiopian Air today so you could ask them if they have a suggestion.
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From Andy
Thanks for the suggestions. I agree that taking the spear as a carry-on maybe wasn't one of my brightest ideas. Fortunately, I used my pre-med problem solving abilities and came up with an alternative solution. I bought a golf club bag that I will use as one of my checked bags. (My other suitcases were falling apart anyway). It is long enough to fit my disassembled spear. Crisis averted. Whew.
I'm looking forward to seeing you and your now famous spear.
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