The cultural mix which resulted from the consolidation of the slaving industry in the Congo, has blurred the origins of these iconic weapons. Originating with the Mangbetu who were vicious slavers and voracious cannibals, they are sometimes called “hunga munga”. They were used in tribal warfare and open terrain. In groups of up to about six, they were gripped in the left hand along with the shield grip and thrown as the groups closed distance leading to the hand to hand fight. Those thus disabled dropped out of the fight and were slaughtered for human consumption. The fit were captured for the slave market and the unfit, slaughtered and abandoned. This example is 13” height, forged iron with leather wrapped grip. The stable oxidized surface is testimonial of its great age and origin in the slave trade.
