Throwing Knife
Yakoma (Gbodo) / Gembele / Bira, D.R. Congo / Central African Republic
Forged iron, vegetable fiber, reptile skin
Late 19th / early 20th century

This throwing knife variety was the product of the Ngbandi subgroups known as Yakoma (also known as Gbodo), Gembele, or Bira. This type is something of a multitribal style, as the Ngbandi borrowed the form of the Nzakara's kpinga throwing knife and brought it to baroque perfection. The pierced bridge (stem) and needle-sharp pointed lip are refined elements that identify this type.

Throwing knives never formed an integral part of the Yakoma's armament, which consisted of spears, shields, and bows and arrows. Makers of a variety of fine knives, daggers, and scimitars that were used primarily for trade and barter, Yakoma blacksmiths also produced this throwing knife type mainly for export (predominantly to the Nzakara and Zande for military or ceremonial use) (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).

17 in :: 43 cm

InventoryID #13-601

SOLD