MAFA (MATAKAM) SENGESE THROWING KNIVES 1-3, Nigeria/Cameroon

These throwing knives have been vetted as being authentic.

Photographs © Hamill Gallery

(left) Sengese Throwing Knife 1
19.5" high
Nigeria/Cameroon
$200

(middle) Sengese Throwing Knife 2
22.5" high
Nigeria/Cameroon
$200
SOLD

(right) Sengese Throwing Knife 3
22.5" 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