Prestige Blade Inspired by a Throwing Knife
Ngombe / Doko / Mbanja / Ngbaka, D.R. Congo
Iron, brass, vegetal fiber
Late 19th / early 20th century

There is not much known about the function of this knife-type, which comes primarily from the Ngombe. Its size-to-weight ratio renders it inefficient as a throwing knife, and its smooth, rounded edges suggest it wouldn't be an effective handweapon either. Like many other Ngombe knives, this type was probably reserved for display, as a symbol of rank, wealth, and prestige. Contributing to this hypothesis, throwing knives typically have one engraved side with beveled edges, and one flat, unadorned side, yet this type has incisions and bevels on both sides.

Later examples of this type were composed of higher-grade recycled European iron, and wore flawless, shiny surfaces. This piece is a fine example of the older Ngombe style - much heavier, and composed of native iron (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988; Zirngibl Rare African Short Weapons, 1983).

16.375 in :: 41.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2047

SOLD