The spear shaft, exhibited in the Indian Museum in Kolkata, is from the Garo people, one of Meghalaya's big hill tribes. The artifact is a long cylindrical wooden shaft that accompanies the spear or acts as the handle of the kind made and used by the Garos in hunting and warfare. One end of the shaft is pointed while the opposite is relatively blunt, suggestive of being connected to a blade or iron head. The shaft is wrapped around with cane straps and bands of plaited cane, which have both decorative and functional purposes of providing grip and structural strength. Notably, vestiges of dyed animal hair appear in three distinct places, indicating some ritualistic or symbolic application, possibly associated with tribal identity, standing in warfare, or ceremonial functions.
Spears are pivotal implements in the Garo way of life; they were used to hunt wild animals and defend themselves. Beyond mere objects of function, these weapons often held significant ritualistic or spiritual meanings, particularly when adorned with hair or any tribal motifs.