Antique Marghi Throwing Knife – Mberembere – Nigeria

Forged iron, leather. High: cm. 65,0 (25.59″). Weigh: 701,9 grams (24.76″).

In addition to actual throwing weapons, these knives were weapons of worship, pomp, dignity and status, also used in barter trade. They signaled the social status and power of the wearer.

The Marghi people are believed to have migrated from the Mandara mountains and other highlands in northern Cameroon. Their migration was characterized by sporadic movements, as they immigrated in groups or clans (fal in Marghi). Many settled within the Bornu empire, while others migrated southwards into the Adamawa region, Nigeria.

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