Left-Handed Throwing Knife with Elaborate Topbranch
Laka, Chad
Iron
Early 20th century

The importance of throwing knives among the Laka and southern Sara exceeded the significance of their other weapons, including spears, javelins, and clubs. These large throwing knives were used as hurling missiles in war and hunting, slashing tools for cutting reed and thatching, and as dueling weapons. In addition to their functional uses, they were displayed ceremonially: brandished by women, they represented potent spiritual symbols.

The absence of handle grips is insignificant for Laka knives, as practically all examples wear no grip. Most Laka knives, desinged for right-hand throwing, are described as a reverse-F shape. Left-handed examples such as this are quite uncommon. 

Westerdijk describes the general Laka aesthetic: "Although the throwing knives of this stylistic province have the same general outline as that which is common to all northern F-shapes, in most cases one misses the gentle curves and even, unbroken lines so typical of the models [of the southeastern and northern Sara]. Instead of flowing forms, angular shapes are dominant here, which recalls modern cubistic designs, especially so in the details of the topbranch and crossbar of the more developed types" (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).

24 in :: 61 cm

InventoryID #13-2915

Price on Request