Throwing knife
Ngbaka
Description
Subject Matter:
The za was thrown by Ngabaka warriors. It could be thrown from twenty to twenty-five meters from its target. Wooden versions of this throwing-knife are also used in training boys and girls as well as in their initiation rites. Today, za may be carried by leaders as a sign of rank and may be held or danced during ceremonial occassions.
Reference:
Blackman, Barbara. Blades of Beauty and Death: African Art Forged in Metal. San Diego, California: Mesa College Art Gallery, 1990.
Physical Description:
This multi-bladed knife has three blades. The longest blade is hook-shaped with another blade forming the opposite, straight end of the hook. Protruding from the center of these two blades is a short, triangular blade. Each blade is decorated with fine incisions running along its center. There are six small triangles carved into the knife: two where the handle and the blades meet and four at the center of the hooked blade. The middle of the handle has a protruding metal element that is circular with a single, slightly pointed side. The bottom of the handle is wrapped with woven thread.
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