Throwing Knife
Western Banda, Central African Republic / D.R. Congo
Forged iron, vegetable fiber, reptile skin
Early 20th century

The result of spending the 19th century mired in tumult, long migrations, and intertribal warfare was that the once cohesive Banda were dispersed over a vast geographical area, divided into small independent populations, and spoke some 50 distinct dialects. In similar fashion, Banda weapons encompass a diverse range of styles, often deviating dramatically from traditional aesthetics.

Banda throwing knives were historically reserved for military use (to halt the advance of an enemy force, for example), but their function evolved after the 1920s to include peaceful and spiritual purposes, such as ritual dance implements. This metamorphosis was the combined result of the decline of conflict in the 20th century and the Banda's persistent "emotional ties" to their throwing knives.

This piece represents the most classical Banda weapon - a thick wing, an undecorated front, and the absence of a lip (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).

16.5 in :: 42 cm

InventoryID #13-600

Price on Request