Ngbaka throwing knife, Democratic Republic of... Lot 3

Ngbaka throwing knife, Democratic Republic of Congo Metal, leather strap H. 41 cm The Ngbaka are a population of Central Africa, settled between the Ubangi River and the middle of the Congo River, in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They belong to the large Bangalas ethnic group. Reputed to be great blacksmiths, their genius can be seen in the inventiveness of their shapes and their technical skills, as demonstrated by their throwing knives, such as this one, designed to be thrown up to thirty meters. The metal-covered handle with its twisted strips forms the central axis from which two blades emerge, one horizontal and projecting forwards, the second higher and curving backwards in a beautiful upward curve. The multidirectional movement of these blades, combined with their shape, lends the work a dynamic quality.