Throwing knife (kpinga)

The throwing knife, or kpinga, once used by the Zande and Nzakara armies has become icons of central African weaponry. In the 20th century, knives like this one became obsolete as weaponry and were instead kept as prestige accessories during ceremonies honoring the ancestors and funerals of powerful men. This knife, which could be thrown overhand from a standing position or sidearm from either a standing or crouched position, is perfectly balanced around a central point of gravity. This balance allowed for incredible accuracy when throwing the weapon.  Potent symbols of power, they were considered to be the prerogative of nobility.