Throwing knife 'kpinga' - Azande - DR Congo
07
days
02
hours
53
minutes
02
seconds
Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 750 - € 850
2 other people are watching this object
 | €50 |
|---|
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 133362 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Azande throwing knife
DR Congo
Total height: 44.5 cm
Materials: wrought iron, plant fibers
Period: early 20th century
Provenance: André Vanhecke - Bruges (The African Connexion)
This type of knife, one of the most recognizable African forms, comes from the tall savannas and dense forests that stretch on both sides of the border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Used by the Zande, the Avungara, the Barambo and other related groups, this knife called "kpinga" was an essential tool in the expansion and protection of Azande territory in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th century, the kpinga remained elite weapons worn by royal bodyguards and courtiers, and were often reserved for unmarried men. Symbols of ethnic pride and tribal authority, they were not used for hunting.
Highly adorned pieces like this, finely incised from head to toe, were reserved for display as symbols of great prestige (Berardi, Standing on Ceremony, 2004; Felix, Kipinga, 1991).
The last 3 photographs show Azande warriors with their knives and their shields.
Careful, insured delivery with tracking number
Azande throwing knife
DR Congo
Total height: 44.5 cm
Materials: wrought iron, plant fibers
Period: early 20th century
Provenance: André Vanhecke - Bruges (The African Connexion)
This type of knife, one of the most recognizable African forms, comes from the tall savannas and dense forests that stretch on both sides of the border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Used by the Zande, the Avungara, the Barambo and other related groups, this knife called "kpinga" was an essential tool in the expansion and protection of Azande territory in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th century, the kpinga remained elite weapons worn by royal bodyguards and courtiers, and were often reserved for unmarried men. Symbols of ethnic pride and tribal authority, they were not used for hunting.
Highly adorned pieces like this, finely incised from head to toe, were reserved for display as symbols of great prestige (Berardi, Standing on Ceremony, 2004; Felix, Kipinga, 1991).
The last 3 photographs show Azande warriors with their knives and their shields.
Careful, insured delivery with tracking number
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Azande
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Fair condition
Title of artwork
Throwing knife 'kpinga'
Provenance
Auction house
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
