Throwing knife

Accession Number
1998/1.114

Title
Throwing knife

Artist(s)
Masalit

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
iron, leather, and fabric

Dimensions
25 in x 8 1/4 in x 1/2 in (63.5 cm x 20.96 cm x 1.27 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Susan B. and John F. Ullrich


Subject matter
This throwing knife is typical of the northern African style. It is longer and lighter than the multi-bladed, short-stemmed knives of groups located to the south, in the present day Democratic Republic of the Congo. This throwing knife from Darfur is forged by Islamic smiths called haddad. It is usually highly polished and free of iron scale. Others that are made more recently are constructed using scrap metal.
 
There is little evidence that these throwing knives were ever used as offensive weapons. They often appear in military parades and other public occasions and are carried over the shoulder by the aristocratic elite of Darfur.
 
This throwing knife might also be seen at boys’ circumcision ceremonies. Elderly women relatives of the boys may dress up as men and carry weapons. The throwing knife or other weapon may also be brandished or clashed with the weapons of other women carrying weapons.  
 
Reference:
Spring, Christopher. African Arms and Armour. London, UK: British Museum Press, 1993. [Page 76]

Physical Description
This throwing knife has a long, slender shaft. The shaft curves slightly downward at its end. On the end of the shaft are two small, leaf-shaped blades which extend in opposite directions. Another small, leaf-shaped blade, or spur, protrudes downward from the inside of the main curve of the shaft. The handle of the knife is wrapped with leather.  

Primary Object Classification
Metalwork

Primary Object Type
knife

Collection Area
Western

Rights
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Keywords
ceremonial weapons
knife
metalwork (visual works)
throwing knives

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted