Ceremonial Sickle Blade, za
Gbaya, Central African Republic
Forged iron, copper, brass wire, braided leather
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).

This example, with its broad, pointed top branch, represents a very rare sub-style of the za.

Published: Lefebvre, Luc. The Throwing Knives: The Northern Knives. 2019. Plate 186.

26.5 in :: 67 cm

InventoryID #13-930

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