Sengese Throwing Knife / Prestige Object
Mafa (Matakam), Nigeria / Cameroon
Iron, leather
1940-1970

The blacksmiths of the so-called Kirdi people of the Mandara mountains of northern Cameroon and eastern Nigeria produced a fascinating variety of knives that share the general outlines of the F-shaped throwing knives of Chad. Too heavy to be thrown, these sengese knives were reserved for use as hand weapons and prestige symbols (Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984).

Elsen says these prestige weapons were part of the ceremonial dress of adult men, raised during official events, but also used "for strolling in public" (De fer et de fierté, 2003). Like the Ingessana's muder blades, sengese blades are often engraved on both sides.

This piece has been selectively polished: the back side shows the original patina, and the front has been restored. It's a heavy, substantial piece.

26 in :: 66 cm

InventoryID #13-918

SOLD