/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

I'm super stumped on how to make the Lance of Longinus. My plan is to make the long part out of a wooden dowel and carve a spiral into it, but I'm at a loss as to what to do for the top part. I found a tutorial where a girl used paper mache, but I didn't think it looked very good so that would be more of a last resort. I work in a theatre and have access to the setbuilding shop so I have lots of tools and people to help, I just have no idea what to do. Anyone with decent prop experience have any ideas/advice?