Burmese spear head, 1885 (c)

Even, leaf shaped blade with a diamond cross section. The central part of the surface of both sides is decorated by curved linear motifs executed in kuftgari technique using copper and silver. The stem of the spear has mouldings and kuftgari in copper and silver including symmetrical flower patterns. The socket is of brass with an ornamental ring on both sides of which is a single ring of plaited wire. This is a typically Burmese feature. The remains of the male bamboo shaft remains for a length of two inches the rest being cut away.

During the three Burma conflicts, Burmese forces were armed with a mixture of muskets, spears, bows and dhas (swords). They generally preferred to fight in bamboo stockades or engage in jungle skirmishes. Whenever they deployed in the open field, superior British training and armaments prevailed. The Burmese army was also assisted by irregular tribesmen.

From a collection of objects relating to Commander Arthur Lye, Royal Indian Marine, and Brigadier General Robert Cobb Lye, 34th (Punjab) Regiment of Bengal Infantry (Pioneers).