Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

An African sickle throwing knife called "Sengese" from Northern Cameroon. This type of weapon was used in Cameroon as well as in Nigeria. This knife has a heavy forged blade with carved decoration and has its original tribal patina. The handle is covered with a raphia rope. 

A simple and functional rice cutter from the Phillipines. A bit of the horse's nose is broken.

Common agricultural tool used in Rwanda, collected in 1974 in Rwanda

Sword of uncertain origin. The wooden handle is missing, it is in its original state, quite rusty ,but once cleaned it becomes a nice design element.

The Ngala have developed a special excution knife whose design was likely taken over from the Banza throwing knife (Fischer p. 109). the multi-bladed Banza knife was believed to have great magical powers.

Similar model spread among various ethnic groups around the mandara mountains in Northern Cameroon. The shape of the axe may represent a stylized head of a roster, a sacred animal among the Fali tribe

This item has been collected in 1982-84 in Southern Chad. According to Hamillton galery, these iron or brass forms were used by several peoples of No. Nigeria and Cameroon, including the Chamba, Mumuye, Mambila, Idoma and Montol. These forms were recognized and used as currency.

Collected in Southertn Chad or Northern Caemroon. Its is not certain that the present hoe was also used as currency.

Exceptional well conserved piece, with beautiful patina. While the hoe as agricultural tool adapt its form to the type of soil, the sex and age of the worker, etc. the hoe as exchange money may adapt more fee form. The present piece may have been used as matrimonial compensation among the Mabila.

Very old and highly uaed axe from Ethiopia, can make an interesting design item.

Spear head. money maybe from the Lomani region in Congo. Iron spear heads vary in size and shape from various ethnic groups, and even within one ethnic group. It is not always possible to distinguish the once produces as weapon and the one s made for trade.

The sickle-knifes of the Mangbetu come in various shapes and handles. This one has a wooden handle with wire-windings.

The Ngala have developed a special excution knife whose design was likely taken over from the Banza throwing knife (Fischer p. 109). the multi-bladed Banza knife was believed to have great magical powers.

Sickle of the Ngombé, Doko, and Poto tribes they have long been considered the most formidable blacksmiths in the area. Their influence in  metalwork and innovative designs spread to many of their neighborsl such as Mbudja, the Ngbaka, the Mongo, the Bangala, the Yakoma, and the Ngbandi.
 

According to ethnological literature the form of this throwing knife from the Magali and Falli tribe in Northern Cameroon reminds one of the cock, which plays an important role in theitr cult belief.

Maybe under  influence of the Ngombé, Doko, and Poto tribes' metalwork 

This throwing knife comes from the southeastern Sara, collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Southern Chad is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters.

This throwing knife comes from the southeastern Chad, collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Southern Chad is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters.

This throwing knife comes from the southeastern Chad, collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Southern Chad is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters.

Collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Chad is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters. The present throwing knife is probable of Teda ( a sub-group of the Tubu) origin.

This throwing knife comes from the southeastern  Chad, collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Southern Chad  is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters.

This throwing knife comes from the southeastern  Sara, collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Southern Chad  is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters.

Common agricultural tool used in Rwanda, collected in 1974 in Rwanda

Exceptional well conserved piece, with beautiful patina. While the hoe as agricultural tool adapt its form to the type of soil, the sex and age of the worker, etc. the hoe as exchange money may adapt more fee form. The present piece may have been used as matrimonial compensation among the Mabila.