Help to Identify African Knives / Swords

[Rod Charters]

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

Rod

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

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]

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