Help to Identify African Knives / Swords

Rod Charters · 12th October 2007, 09:45 PM

2nd sword

Rod Charters · 12th October 2007, 09:48 PM

3 and 4

Tim Simmons · 12th October 2007, 09:59 PM

Hi Rod,
Instant service here tonight.

No 1. looks very much like a modern copy of a Zande and neighbours throwing knife.

No 2. Is what is known as a Shi knife, interesting that you show this as some people may say that a certain style indicates more age but seeing your example i am not sure that holds much water.

No 3. Is a seme could well be before the Mau Mau.

No 4. Is what Believe is a Ngombe/ Poto? knife from the Congo and look like it may be old.

Rod Charters · 12th October 2007, 10:55 PM

Hi Tim, thanks for the instant service. Shame about the throwing knife as always had the impression it was quite old especially given the amount of rust encrusted on the reverse side. Don't quite understand your comment on the Shi knife. By the way where do these knives come from?

Rod

Tim Simmons · 13th October 2007, 11:17 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, 05:53 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, 07:41 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?

12th October 2007, 09:45 PM	#1
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	2nd sword Attached Images

12th October 2007, 09:48 PM	#2
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	3 and 4 Attached Images

12th October 2007, 09:59 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,935	Hi Rod, Instant service here tonight. No 1. looks very much like a modern copy of a Zande and neighbours throwing knife. No 2. Is what is known as a Shi knife, interesting that you show this as some people may say that a certain style indicates more age but seeing your example i am not sure that holds much water. No 3. Is a seme could well be before the Mau Mau. No 4. Is what Believe is a Ngombe/ Poto? knife from the Congo and look like it may be old.

12th October 2007, 10:55 PM	#4
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Hi Tim, thanks for the instant service. Shame about the throwing knife as always had the impression it was quite old especially given the amount of rust encrusted on the reverse side. Don't quite understand your comment on the Shi knife. By the way where do these knives come from? Rod

13th October 2007, 11:17 AM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,935	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, 05:53 PM	#6
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, 07:41 PM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,935	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?