| Africa has long held a fascination for the | | | | women began weaving beads onto the shaft in |
| rest of the world. It's a continent of great | | | | the colours and patterns of the Zulu tribe. |
| contrasts and has managed to resist all | | | | There is also a swathe of fur beneath the |
| attempts to tame it. The climate is largely | | | | head of the Knob-Kerrie and at the bottom of |
| hot and dry. The landscape is burnt and arid. | | | | the handle. |
| Except where rainforests cover the land. Due | | | | |
| to the climate conditions the people of | | | | Nubian Arm Dagger |
| Africa tend to be nomadic and tribal with | | | | |
| very strong ties to their ethnicity. Even the | | | | Many tribes in Eastern and Northern Africa |
| most ardent colonists, with the severest | | | | use arm daggers, which are worn under the |
| methods of conversion failed to make any | | | | sleeves, blade up and grip down for easy |
| African country completely abandon its | | | | access. The size of the daggers varies, but |
| culture and traditions in favour of western | | | | each blade is dual edged. The Nubian arm |
| life. The people of Africa are unique and | | | | dagger is usually six inches long and is |
| distinct. The way of life in Africa is unlike | | | | sometimes engraved along the centre line. The |
| life anywhere else in the world, and the art | | | | grip is made of wood and leather while the |
| and artefacts of the many tribes in Africa | | | | scabbard is made of painted leather. A |
| are given pride of place in homes all around | | | | leather loop attaches the grip to the |
| the world. | | | | scabbard. |
| | | | |
| Many different traditional African artefacts | | | | A Traditional beaded Zulu Axe |
| are sought after by serious collectors as | | | | |
| well as tourists and history buffs. Among | | | | The axe is made out of a dark and heavy wood |
| these pieces are masks, drums, ceremonial | | | | with a metal blade placed in the ball head. |
| bead work and weapons. Many weapons began as | | | | Traditional tribesmen and women used it. The |
| tools of war and later assumed a ceremonial | | | | women wove traditional Zulu patterns into the |
| role as brave warriors or kings, through | | | | shaft. As with the Knob-Kerrie, there is a |
| their use, won distinction. Some of the more | | | | strip of fur under the head and at the bottom |
| prized weapons include: | | | | of the handle. |
| | | | |
| A hand carved wooden Zulu beaded Knob-Kerrie | | | | Mangbetu Knife |
| | | | |
| The Knob-Kerrie was used as a weapon of | | | | This is an example of a traditional weapon of |
| attack in combination with a shield and | | | | war that achieved ceremonial status. In a far |
| spear. It's about 90cm tall and was used to | | | | less glamorous role, it could be used as an |
| hit enemies on the head during battle while | | | | agricultural tool. It eventually became a |
| the shield protected the warrior as he | | | | status symbol and sign of wealth. The king of |
| pressed forward. The spear was thrown as a | | | | the time, Munza, was often depicted in |
| prelude to the charge. In its original form | | | | drawings and statues holding the knife, |
| it was plain and unadorned, but the Zulu | | | | demonstrating his power and authority. |