Incised Throwing Knife, mya or mia
Sara, Chad
Forged iron
Early 20th century

This throwing knife comes from the Lake Chad area, which is widely believed to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. The Sara, who dominate this area of flat swamps, call this blade mya or mia. Originally objects of pure utility, they were later carried as symbols of prestige by adult males, for whom they formed an essential element of their very simple attire. Being true traditionalists, the Sara long rejected the use of guns, and continued to carry such throwing knives well into the 20th century (Felix, Kipinga, 1991; Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).

This piece, which is elaborately incised on both sides and lacks sharp edges, was surely designed as a prestige object rather than one of utility. 

Mounted on a custom display stand, pictured below. 

Published: Lefebvre, Luc. The Throwing Knives: The Northern Knives. 2019. Plate 14.

30 in :: 76 cm

InventoryID #13-1142

SOLD