Sengese Throwing Knife
Mafa (Matakam), Nigeria / Cameroon
Iron, indigo-dyed cotton textile
Mid 20th century

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 example wears a blue cotton handle, which I have seen on a number of pieces from the region, but it always appears damaged or loosely wrapped. The cotton wrap on this example is deliberately stiched and uncommonly fixed. 

24.5 in :: 63 cm

InventoryID #13-1078

SOLD