MAFA (MATAKAM) SENGESE STYLE THROWING KNIFE 4, Nigeria/Cameroon

While originating from the African continent, this piece is likely not created by the tribe who invented the design. The tribal attribution indicates the origin of the design, not the object.

This throwing knife was made to be sold.

Photographs © Hamill Gallery

MAFA (MATAKAM)
SENGESE THROWING KNIFE 4
25" high
Nigeria/Cameroon
$200
SOLD

"The blacksmiths of the so called Kirdi people of the Mandara mountains of northern Cameroon and eastern Nigeria produced a fascinating variety of knives that share the general outline of the F-shaped throwing knives of Chad. Too heavy to be thrown, these sengese knives were reserved for use as hand weapons and prestige symbols (Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984).

Elsen says these prestige weapons were part of the ceremonial dress of adult men, raised during official events, but also used 'for strolling in public' (De fer et de fierté, 2003). Like the Ingessana's murder blades, sengese blades are engraved on both sides."

Stolen from Ethan Rider