Description:

West Africa, Gabon, Kota Culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A throwing knife with an interesting sculptural form, complete with its original sheath. This prestige weapon features a double-edged blade forged from iron shaped like a bird-head and embellished with a triangular perforation and stamped motifs. The handle is wrapped with brass wires and the conical pommel covered with brass panels. The upper spike or projection is likely for balance and hand positioning. The original sheath is constructed from a brass panel the edges folded inward for inserting a wooden panel, and a metal ring through the corner with a leather strap. Throwing knives like this served not only as weapons but as indicators of rank and ceremonial wealth, often wielded or displayed by high-status individuals in ritualized contexts or martial processions. Size of knife: 10.75" L x 10.5" W (27.3 cm x 26.7 cm)

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Ralph T. Coe personal collection; acquired from Tom Alexander in 2004.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#196348

  • Condition: Patina and wear to the blade with pitting and indentations to brass pommel, but otherwise intact. Leather strap is delicate and stiff.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $249,999:
26.00%
$250,000+:
22.50%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500