Throwing knife c. early 20th century

This throwing knife was made by the Ngbaka people with metal. Imagine the maker, carefully forging and shaping this metal, heating and hammering, coaxing the material into this strange, almost plant-like form. It's so visually arresting, not what you’d expect a weapon to look like. It’s got these curving blades that suggest movement and flight, almost like the tool is taking on a life of its own. There is something of the surrealists in this object. You can see the hand of the maker in the slight imperfections, the evidence of labor. It's not just a tool, but a testament to human ingenuity and artistry.