KOTA, Gabon. Iron, copper, metal, wood. A superb "Osélé or Musélé" throwing knife with a blade in the shape of a bird's beak with a blackened centre and a hollowed-out triangle evoking an eye. This prestigious weapon, reserved for the initiates of Mungala society, is finely decorated with engraved geometric motifs. Length: 38.5 cm. Width: 26.5 cm. Note: According to notes and photos submitted by the family, Marie-Louise Demeyer and her husband were part of a camp of a dozen households and 500 workers, who looked after the preservation of rare species, mainly primates. The camp was based in the primary forest of Gabon, in Gorilla country (northern Ogoué-Ivindo). Two Osélé knives are shown in the photo of the base camp.