Ceremonial Sickle Blade, za Gbaya, Central African Republic

Ceremonial Sickle Blade, za
Gbaya, Central African Republic
Iron, vegetable fiber
Early 20th century

Despite exhibiting every characteristic of a throwing knife, the za was typically carried over the shoulder, and was reserved for use as a hand weapon, a bush knife, and in ceremony. Awesomely, Westerdijk explains that Gbaya blades were "carried for swagger" (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).

24.5 in :: 62 cm