Help to Identify African Knives / Swords

Tim Simmons · 13th October 2007, 10:17 AM

Hi Rod when I say modern in reference to the Zande type throwing throwing knife I do not me recent. In my opinion I would not think it pre 1950.

As far as I know the Shi type of sword may have a large footprint. South East Congo certainly I have a suspicion the form travels further possibly to parts of Ruanda, Tanzania and even Northern Zambia, just my opinion. I am still after one like yours. I think it is a regional style rather than a style suggestive of greater age. I have this one.

Rod Charters · 13th October 2007, 04:53 PM

Tim thanks thats very interesting. Coming back to the throwing knife. In its current form does not seem very practical to throw 1. because of its weight and 2. because of the central wooden section. Do you think this knife has been converted from a throwing knife into something more decorative. Thanks Rod.

Tim Simmons · 13th October 2007, 06:41 PM

Rod you could follow this old thread.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...throwing+knife
The TK you have does appear to have been cut rather than forged. The wood casing is quite odd I wonder what Luc or Freddy may have to say. Although a little rough compered to older weapon and prestige versions I would hesitate from saying it was just a decorative thing perhaps for tourists. Perhaps pm Luc?

Rod Charters · 13th October 2007, 10:05 PM

Thanks Tim thats been very helpful. I'll PM Luc,

Rod

Luc LEFEBVRE · 13th October 2007, 10:35 PM

Hi Rod,
Tim is right, this is a poor copy of a Kipinga (sorry), the major throwing knife of the Zande who lives in the north-east of Congo (RDC) just under the Ubangi river.
They where great warriors with a big organized army and have a specific shield where they store 2 or 3 throwing knives.
The TK never have wood handle, only "flexible" material, and just at the base of the stem for a good grip, not in the middle.
The engraving on the blade ,which looks like a man, is a chameleon, a totemic animal and a symbol of a very fast strike.
The Kipinga is a good TK which has a good comportment in flight.
http://lulef.free.fr/html/zande.html

Luc

Rod Charters · 13th October 2007, 10:44 PM

Thanks to both of you and good to know next time I get offered an "African Chiefs Knife".

13th October 2007, 10:35 PM	#5
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 473	Hi Rod, Tim is right, this is a poor copy of a Kipinga (sorry), the major throwing knife of the Zande who lives in the north-east of Congo (RDC) just under the Ubangi river. They where great warriors with a big organized army and have a specific shield where they store 2 or 3 throwing knives. The TK never have wood handle, only "flexible" material, and just at the base of the stem for a good grip, not in the middle. The engraving on the blade ,which looks like a man, is a chameleon, a totemic animal and a symbol of a very fast strike. The Kipinga is a good TK which has a good comportment in flight. http://lulef.free.fr/html/zande.html Luc Attached Images

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13th October 2007, 10:17 AM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,847	Hi Rod when I say modern in reference to the Zande type throwing throwing knife I do not me recent. In my opinion I would not think it pre 1950. As far as I know the Shi type of sword may have a large footprint. South East Congo certainly I have a suspicion the form travels further possibly to parts of Ruanda, Tanzania and even Northern Zambia, just my opinion. I am still after one like yours. I think it is a regional style rather than a style suggestive of greater age. I have this one.

13th October 2007, 04:53 PM	#2
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Tim thanks thats very interesting. Coming back to the throwing knife. In its current form does not seem very practical to throw 1. because of its weight and 2. because of the central wooden section. Do you think this knife has been converted from a throwing knife into something more decorative. Thanks Rod.

13th October 2007, 06:41 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,847	Rod you could follow this old thread. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...throwing+knife The TK you have does appear to have been cut rather than forged. The wood casing is quite odd I wonder what Luc or Freddy may have to say. Although a little rough compered to older weapon and prestige versions I would hesitate from saying it was just a decorative thing perhaps for tourists. Perhaps pm Luc?

13th October 2007, 10:05 PM	#4
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Thanks Tim thats been very helpful. I'll PM Luc, Rod

13th October 2007, 10:44 PM	#6
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Thanks to both of you and good to know next time I get offered an "African Chiefs Knife".