African recycling
 

I just got back from an antiques fair where I found this piece. My guess is that it's a recycled or reconverted African throwing knife.

I base this on the fact that one side is flat and undecorated. The side shown on the pics has some decoration. This was made by small dots forming lines.

Though it's not very sharp, the top of the blade is thicker just above the vertical part. This gives me a clue that there was an 'extension' at some time. It was probably lost and grinded off.
Also at the base of the blade there's a small protruding point, which gives me a clue to another 'extension'.

The handle is a simple one, made of wood. The patina shows a good age.

Why was this piece altered ? Why wasn't it discarded when it lost its function as a throwing knife ? Did it have some ceremonial function ? All questions still to be answered.

Nevertheless, I find this piece most interesting.

Total height is 20,5 cm. The horizontal part of the blade measures 25,5 cm.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...steryknife.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...teryknife2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...teryknife3.jpg

It's a part of a Mbanja TK like this one.
Luc

Merci bien, Luc. That's the one I was looking for :)