Turkana wrist knife, ararait / abarait – Kenya – Iron and leather (No reserve price)
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days
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Current bid
€ 30
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €30 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €25 | |
| €20 | |
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Turkana wrist knife, ararait / abarait, from Kenya, iron and leather, dating to the mid-20th century, provenance collected by the current owner, in good original condition.
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Description from the seller
Turkana wrist knife, ararait / abarait – Kenya – Iron and leather
Details
Origin: Turkana people
Country: Kenya
Object type: Wrist knife / ararait, also known as abarait
Material: Iron, leather
Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 1 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected by the current owner
Custom display stand: not included
Description
A complete Turkana wrist knife, known as ararait or abarait, from Kenya.
This distinctive object belongs to the traditional material culture of the Turkana people. It consists of a crescent-shaped iron blade with a central opening, allowing it to be worn around the wrist. The object is fitted with leather protections, both around the inner opening and along the outer edge.
Among the Turkana, wrist knives of this type were worn by men and could serve both practical and protective purposes. They are among the most recognizable metal objects from the pastoral cultures of northern Kenya and the wider East African region.
This example is especially appealing for its complete state of preservation. Both leather protective elements are still present, which is important for the reading of the object. The iron surface shows a strong oxidized patina, with dark brown and black tones, giving the piece a powerful archaic presence.
A compact but expressive Turkana wrist knife, appreciated for its complete construction, leather protections, strong oxidized surface and ethnographic character.
Condition
Good condition overall for an object of this type.
Heavy oxidation and surface corrosion to the iron.
Wear, abrasions, small losses, stains and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Both leather protective elements are present.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The wrist knife only.
No display stand included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Turkana wrist knife, ararait / abarait – Kenya – Iron and leather
Details
Origin: Turkana people
Country: Kenya
Object type: Wrist knife / ararait, also known as abarait
Material: Iron, leather
Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 1 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected by the current owner
Custom display stand: not included
Description
A complete Turkana wrist knife, known as ararait or abarait, from Kenya.
This distinctive object belongs to the traditional material culture of the Turkana people. It consists of a crescent-shaped iron blade with a central opening, allowing it to be worn around the wrist. The object is fitted with leather protections, both around the inner opening and along the outer edge.
Among the Turkana, wrist knives of this type were worn by men and could serve both practical and protective purposes. They are among the most recognizable metal objects from the pastoral cultures of northern Kenya and the wider East African region.
This example is especially appealing for its complete state of preservation. Both leather protective elements are still present, which is important for the reading of the object. The iron surface shows a strong oxidized patina, with dark brown and black tones, giving the piece a powerful archaic presence.
A compact but expressive Turkana wrist knife, appreciated for its complete construction, leather protections, strong oxidized surface and ethnographic character.
Condition
Good condition overall for an object of this type.
Heavy oxidation and surface corrosion to the iron.
Wear, abrasions, small losses, stains and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Both leather protective elements are present.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The wrist knife only.
No display stand included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Turkana wrist knife, ararait / abarait – Kenya – Iron and leather
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
