Spear 17th century North Indian Spears were a versatile tool for royal hunting expeditions, as demonstrated by their depiction in the paintings nearby. They were used while either on foot or on horseback, and could be thrust or thrown. Some spears were made of a single piece of iron or steel; others comprised a wooden shaft and steel spear head. Inlaid with gold, this example was intended to be both lethal and beautiful.. Spear. North Indian. 17th century. Steel, gold. Shafted Weapons