Throwing knife
Date20th century
Maker
Congolese
Maker
Zande
Label TextBlacksmiths in Central Africa forged tremendously varied shapes for knives. Throwing knives feature aggressive curves and counterbalancing blades that are said to have been most effective when thrown from a distance of twenty to twenty-five meters. Used by royal bodyguards and court attendants, such knives have long been obsolete as weapons, but retain potency as a symbol of rank among village leaders.
Object number81.17.1677
Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company
Dimensions17 13/16 x 19 3/16 in. (45.3 x 48.8 cm)
MediumIron and string
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