Knife "kpinga" - Nzakara - DR Congo
06
days
05
hours
48
minutes
48
seconds
Current bid
€ 100
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 850 - € 950
7 other people are watching this object
 | €100 |
|---|
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 135253 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Superb 'Kpinga' knife of the Nzakara (sold with base)
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Max height: 48 cm (52 cm tall including base)
Max width: 46 cm
Materials: wrought iron, plant fibers
Provenance: ex collection Mats Sigelfeldt - Sweden
Although historically used as a weapon by the sophisticated armies of the Zande and the Nzakara, this type of knife, called kpinga, became obsolete in the 20th century and became more of a symbolic object than a functional one. They were notably used during ceremonies in honor of the ancestors, handled during the funerals of powerful men, and even thrown or buried on graves. Powerful symbols of power, they were the preserve of the nobility and were often kept and protected in warehouses. Only a few men had the privilege of owning a kpinga at home (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).
Sold with its personalized magnetic base visible in the photographs. Beautiful filework.
We can see in the last four photographs a shield with its Nzakara knife from the Mémoire Africaine collection of Allan Slatec (France) and a few photos of the related Azande people.
Careful, insured delivery with tracking number
Superb 'Kpinga' knife of the Nzakara (sold with base)
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Max height: 48 cm (52 cm tall including base)
Max width: 46 cm
Materials: wrought iron, plant fibers
Provenance: ex collection Mats Sigelfeldt - Sweden
Although historically used as a weapon by the sophisticated armies of the Zande and the Nzakara, this type of knife, called kpinga, became obsolete in the 20th century and became more of a symbolic object than a functional one. They were notably used during ceremonies in honor of the ancestors, handled during the funerals of powerful men, and even thrown or buried on graves. Powerful symbols of power, they were the preserve of the nobility and were often kept and protected in warehouses. Only a few men had the privilege of owning a kpinga at home (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).
Sold with its personalized magnetic base visible in the photographs. Beautiful filework.
We can see in the last four photographs a shield with its Nzakara knife from the Mémoire Africaine collection of Allan Slatec (France) and a few photos of the related Azande people.
Careful, insured delivery with tracking number
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Nzakara
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Knife "kpinga"
Height
48 cm
Width
46 cm
Provenance
Private collection
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.
