Throwing Knife, kpinga
Nzakara, Central African Republic/D.R. Congo
Forged iron, vegetable fiber
Early 20th century

While historically used as a weapon amongst the sophisticated armies of the Zande and Nzakara, this type of throwing knife, known as kpinga, became obsolete in the 20th century, and became more an object of symbolism than function. In particular, it was used in ceremonies honoring the ancestors, wielded during funerals of powerful men, and even thrown onto or buried in gravesites. A potent symbol of power, it was considered to be the prerogative of nobility, and was often hoarded and protected in storehouses; only select men had the privilege of keeping a kpinga in his home (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).

18.5 in :: 47 cm

InventoryID #13-1014

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