Mambele

A mambele is a form of hybrid knife/axe in central and southern Africa, originating from a curved throwing dagger used by the Mangbetu.

[citation needed] The mambele consists of an iron blade with a curved back section and rearward spike.

[citation needed] These African iron weapons are thrown with a rotatory motion, and can inflict deep wounds with their projecting blades.

The “musri” or “mouzeri” throwing knife of the Teda peoples in the central Sahara is a variant.

In parts of Central Africa these weapons assume the form of a bird's head.