Editing Assegai (section)

==''Iklwa''==
[[File:Zulu warrior.jpg|thumb|upright|Zulu man with the shorter iklwa]]
[[Shaka]] of the [[Zulu people|Zulu]] popularized the use of the shorter stabbing spear with a {{convert|610|mm|abbr=on}} shaft and a larger, broader blade {{convert|300|mm|abbr=on}} long in warfare, which was traditionally used primarily as a hunting spear. This weapon is otherwise known as the ''iklwa'' or ''ixwa'', after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim's wound.<ref>[http://www.therionarms.com/reenact/therionarms_c1279.html Zulu 'Iklwa' war spear, therionarms.com]</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=McBride, Angus|author-link=Angus McBride|title=The Zulu War|year=1976|pages=[https://archive.org/details/zuluwar00mcbr_0/page/9 9]|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9780850452563|url=https://archive.org/details/zuluwar00mcbr_0|url-access=registration}}</ref> The traditional spear was not abandoned, but was thrown from range at enemy formations before closing in for [[close quarters battle]] with the iklwa. This tactical combination originated during [[Shaka#Social and military revolution|Shaka's military reforms]]. This weapon was typically used with one hand while the off-hand held a [[cowhide]] [[Nguni shield|shield]] for protection.