Kpinga
Appearance
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The Kpinga (also called the Mambele) was a bladed throwing knife used by the Azande of northern Central Africa. It was about 22 inches in length and had three different shaped blades projecting at different angles within a plane, to maximize damage to the enemy. They were classed as "Court Metal", being produced under the patronage of the Avongara clan, distributed only to professional warriors, and considered status symbols. It was also part of the dowry that a man must pay to the bride's family.[1]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/COLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Werpmes_praalwapen_en_statussymbool_TMnr_5633-55.jpg/198px-COLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Werpmes_praalwapen_en_statussymbool_TMnr_5633-55.jpg)
Soldiers would carry three or four[clarification needed] into battle, hidden behind their shields. They were typically thrown at the enemy from 30 feet away.[2]
References
- ^ "Kpinga". Pitt-Rivers Museum. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
- ^ Thompson, Avery (September 15, 2017). "This Three-Bladed Throwing Knife Will Never Miss". Popular Mechanics.com. Retrieved December 12, 2017.