crossword clue african spear – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive and accurate answers for the crossword clue "african spear". We provide solutions for all possible word lengths, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue african spear" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ASSEGAI: A short, light spear used by indigenous people of southern Africa, particularly the Zulu. This is the most common and specific answer for this clue.
5 Letters
SPEAR: A long, pointed weapon, often used for hunting or fighting. While a general term, it can fit this clue if a broader answer is required by the puzzle's specific context or letter count.
More About "crossword clue african spear"
The term "African spear" immediately brings to mind the ASSEGAI, a weapon deeply rooted in the history and culture of various Southern African peoples, especially the Zulu. These spears were typically shorter and lighter than European lances, designed for throwing as well as close-quarters combat. The design and use of the assegai evolved, with different tribes developing their own variations, but its significance as a symbol of tribal power and a crucial tool in warfare remained constant.
Understanding the specific cultural and historical context of such terms is often key to solving crosswords. While "spear" is a generic term, the addition of "African" narrows down the possibilities significantly, pointing towards culturally specific implements like the assegai. Crossword setters often use these specific descriptors to guide solvers to a unique, less obvious answer rather than a general one.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Specific Modifiers: Clues like "african spear" where a general noun ("spear") is modified by a specific adjective ("african") often point to a unique, culturally specific answer rather than a generic one. Always consider if there's a well-known object or concept tied to the modifier.
- Check Letter Counts First: Before you even think of an answer, check the number of letters provided by the grid. This immediately filters out many possibilities and can confirm if your initial idea (e.g., ASSEGAI for 7 letters) is viable.
- Consider Synonyms and Broader Categories: If the specific answer doesn't fit the letter count, think about broader categories or synonyms. For "african spear," if ASSEGAI doesn't fit, consider if a general term like SPEAR, or even a different type of weapon or tool, might be required.
- Use Cross-References: Don't solve clues in isolation. As you fill in other words, they will provide letters for adjacent answers, making it easier to deduce the correct word for a tricky clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common crossword answer for "African spear"?
The most common and definitive crossword answer for "African spear" is ASSEGAI. This word specifically refers to a type of spear historically used by various ethnic groups in Southern Africa, particularly the Zulu.
Are there other possible answers for "African spear" in crosswords?
While ASSEGAI is the most specific, depending on the letter count and the overall difficulty of the puzzle, a more general term like SPEAR (5 letters) might be accepted. However, if the clue includes "African," ASSEGAI is almost certainly the intended solution if it fits the length.
How does knowing about cultural artifacts help in solving crosswords?
Many crossword clues rely on specific cultural knowledge, historical terms, or geographical references. Knowing about terms like "assegai" for "African spear" allows you to directly identify the precise answer the setter is looking for, rather than just a general one, making you a more efficient solver.