Ngbaka (Za) Throwing Knife

  • Ngbaka (Za) Throwing Knife

  • Ngbaka (Za) Throwing Knife

  • Ngbaka (Za) Throwing Knife

  • Ngbaka (Za) Throwing Knife

  • Ngbaka (Za) Throwing Knife

  • Ngbaka (Za) Throwing Knife

  • Ngbaka (Za) Throwing Knife

Ngbaka (Za) Throwing Knife
Ngbaka or surrounding people
Équateur District, Congo Free State - Équateur Province, Belgian Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Late 19th - Early 20th century
Iron, vegetal fiber
Blade Height: 32,4cm
Blade Width: 34,3cm
Hilt & Blade: 42,5cm
Collection Date: 2023
Collection Number: 373

The unique form of the throwing knife of the Ngbaka, known as "za" was used both as a weapon and a display of wealth to the beholder. Having a forged iron blade with one end curving up, the other straight with a slight curve, all with convexed edges. Decorated in linear work with crosshatchings, geometric zig- zag, and triangular patterns throughout. The bottom blade ending in a small protrusion with a pointed end is present near the handle. Braided vegetal fiber grip.

On the reverse, the blade is flat and undecorated. An old collection marking in white "82-16" is present near the handle. It also came with an old collection tag written, "82-16", "Ngwaka Throwing Knife Equator," "16 3/4"". Presumably deaccessioned from a museum. An old example in very good shape.