A mbanja^[1] is a knife, and a cold weapon. Its blade normally is made of iron, and hilt made of leather, and is frequently decorated with patterns. The mbanja is a unique melee weapon, which is also a throwing weapon. As it such it closely resembled the tomahawk.^[1]

The mbanja was utilized during the late 19th century and the early 20th century. However, looking at its handle reveals that it most likely wasn't used seriously.^[2]