Hoko yari
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hoko (矛) or Hoko yari is an ancient form of yari (lance) from Japan said to be based on a Chinese model.[1]
The hoko came into use sometime between the Yayoi and the Heian,[2] possibly as late as the Nara period (the 8th century).[3]
The hoko was thought to be a guard's spear used in the defence of palisades and gates. One source describes the hoko as being mounted on a two-meter pole with a 20 cm (7.9 in) blade, either in a leaf shape or with a wavy edge similar to the Malay kris. Like the later-period fukuro-yari (袋槍), the metal blade had a hollow socket for the pole to fit into rather than a long tang.[4] A hoko could also have a sickle-shaped horn projecting out and slightly forward on one or both sides of the blade, indicating that this weapon was primarily used to thrust back an enemy.[1]
.png){kind=small}