This stylistic province is located in the center and center-east of
the D.R. Congo, in the Kasaï region. The dominant group is the Kuba
(Bushoong, Shoowa, Ngongo, Ngeende, and Pyaang), who
influence their neighbors: Lele, Wongo, and Kete. Farther north
are the Ndengese and to the east are the Nkutshu. This region
is covered with tropical rain forest to the north and wooded
savannah to the south.
The history of the Kuba is well known; their origin is believed to be
further north around the Kingdom of Kongo, or even farther
northwest, at the southeastern border of Cameroon.
The resemblance between certain throwing knives from the Sangha
basin is uncanny. The word Kuba means
« lightning », and its origin comes from the effect of the reflection
of light on throwing knives when hurtling through the air.
So the Kuba used throwing knives in the past, but probably replaced
them over time by other types of weapons found in this geographic
area, and their martial use was lost.
Throwing knives then became objects of prestige and symbols of
dignitaries. The rare known examples were collected at
the beginning of the 20th century (MRAC, Stockholm Museum).
They measure from 52 to 68cm depending on the size of
the wooden handle that is sometimes found, and weigh around
450g. The iron work is quite crude, occasionally showing a few
forged crest lines. They are called shongo, mpengdy.
The oshele or woshele is quite special; it is a large forged blade
from 60 to 70cm, 1 to 3mm thick and weighing 1 to 1.5kg.
It certainly seems to be heavily inspired by a throwing knife, but
has a role as currency, a badge of power, and to show the rank and
authority of village elders. Used among the Nkutshu, Jonga, Kela,
and Ndengese, it is not found among the Kuba.
It is also a weapon with hidden powers that fight against visible or
invisible forces when used by the nkfumi (clan leader among
the Ndengese), who can also be an elombe (sorcerer). It is used to
interfere with the forces of nature, like a fetish, and can be used to
pay a blood debt to ensure revenge. Placed on the ground, it is a
talisman which blocks the road to an enemy who approaches
the village.
