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Throwing Knife / Prestige Scepter (pingha)
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Throwing knives (<em>pingha</em>, plural <em>kipinga</em>) were historically used by elite Zande men as weapons in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Carefully calibrated, they would spin when thrown or balance on the shoulder when taken into battle. Kipinga were not everyday weapons, but considered property of the king; only those fighting on his behalf like royal bodyguards and court attendants used them. One side of this blade is adorned with complex figural and geometric engravings. No longer used for fighting<em>, </em>kipinga are now a sign of authority and heritage.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Zande-style maker |
|---|---|
| Date | 1800–mid-1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, Central or Eastern Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, and Sudan, Zande-style maker |
| Medium | Iron alloy and plant fiber |
| Dimensions | Overall: 45.5 cm (17 15/16 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Arms and Armor |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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