TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities "Altering The Way You View The World Of Art" |
Type of Object:
Ethnic Group:
- Kota Birdhead Throwing Knife
19th c.
- This is a rare type of throwing knife with beautiful design.
Among the Kota such knives are carried by chiefs and by
ritual specialists of the Mungala secret society and only
used in ceremonials as part of the chief's regalia and
prestige objects.
- The "throwing knife" developed from simple, functional tools
into one of the most beautiful weapons. The great
migrations of African people over many centuries and in
many directions have all contributed to these design
changes. The oldest type is found in the Sahel, in North
Cameroon.
These weapons are thrown sidearm, and rotate around their
center of gravity. They usually have two piercing spikes.
Some of the knives are still used by African men as both
weapons and ornamentation.
Many forms of throwing knives were used in warfare and
traded as cash (they are sometimes referred to as "currency
blades") in Congo prior to World War II.
Ethnic Group:
- Kota Society
- Congo
- Iron
Iron Wire
Wood
- 10 3/4 high x 10 7/8" wide
