TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:
    Ngombe Throwing Knife Currency
    19th - 20th c.

    A superb antique forged iron blade.   The blade is
    decorated with a linear design adn two ros of undulating
    lines at the curve.  This blade is in excellent condition with
    no damage, cracks or chips.

    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.
      
    These "throwing Knife" forms were recognized and used as
    currency.


Ethnic Group:
    Ngombe Societty
    Ngbaka Society
    Fang Society


Country of Origin:  
    Gabon
    Congo
    Central Africa


Material:   
    Iron
    Leather
    Copper


Dimensions:
    20 " x 13"

Reference:       
    Roberto Ballarini, Ferrie Monete dell' Africa Equatoriale,
    Galleria Africa Curio-Milano 1998. Pages 37. p12   (Koma,
    Masa peoples; Chad (?))