Ngalio throwing knife of the Sara; Chad 20. Century

This authentic African throwing iron of the Ngalio type originates from the Sara people of southern Chad and is dated to the first half of the 20. century. Southern Chad is in ethnography often considered the cradle of the African throwing knife whereby the Ngalio represents one of the archetypal forms of this region. The present specimen is characterized by its purely functional F-shape made of hand-forged iron and deliberately avoids chasing or decorative ornamentations which underlines its character as a genuine utility and hunting weapon.

The blade shows a beautiful dark age patina as well as signs of use corresponding to the age while the handle area was left true to the original without wrapping. Originally these impressive weapons were often carried in bundles of three or more pieces in special leather quivers and reached as precise projectiles a range of up to 30 meters. Besides the use in war and hunting such knives served the peoples in the border region of Chad and Cameroon also as an important status symbol and were used on ceremonial occasions. With a considerable size of approx. 64 x 14,5 cm is this piece a fascinating example of the combination of functional cutting tool and cultural prestige object. Rust spots on the iron; signs of use corresponding to the age.