Accession Number
1998/1.115

Title
Knife

Artist(s)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
metal and wood

Dimensions
21 9/16 in x 9 1/16 in x 1 in (54.7 cm x 23 cm x 2.5 cm)

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

Subject matter
Although the exact origins of this knife are not known, it could possibly have been made by Gbaya peoples who live in what is today Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Similarly shaped knifes are often described as 'throwing knives'. However, knives with this previous function are not limited to Central Africa; forms also vary across the region and across the continent. Knives with a sickle-shaped blade that widens near the top into a triangular shape and a wooden handle have been noted as ceremonial objects, while knives with heavier blades—of the same shape—and hide-covered handles have been described as throwing knives. In some cases, throwing knives were used as currency. 

References Cited: 
McNaughton, Pat R. 1970. “The Throwing Knife in African History.” African Arts, Vol. 3, No. 2: 54-60+89.

Physical Description
Metal blade with wooden handle. The metal blade is long and narrow and triangular at its end point. The wooden handle is split down the middle. Only one side of the blade has been decorated with long incisions. There is a small hole in the center of the triangular section of the blade. 

Primary Object Classification
Arms and Armor

Primary Object Type
knife

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
ceremonial knives
knife
knife currency (general currency)
men (male humans)
weapons