Turkana Wrist Knife (Ararait)

Early to mid-20th century, Turkana people, Kenya

Striking and rare wrist knife (ararait) traditionally used by the Turkana people of northern Kenya. This distinctive weapon consists of a circular hand-forged iron blade, beveled and sharpened along the outer edge, with a central wrist opening lined with a thin strip of leather. A radial slit allows the knife to be fitted securely onto the wrist, transforming it into a close-combat weapon.

The piece is accompanied by its original goatskin sheath, designed to cover the blade’s sharp perimeter when not in use. Both functional and symbolic, the ararait reflects the resourcefulness, craftsmanship, and warrior traditions of the Turkana.

Excellent condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. Size approx. 10,6cm x 10,5cm x 0,5cm.

Provenance: Finnish private collection

For a similar examples see:

Wrist Knife/ Bracelet Knife, The Penn Museum, Accession number: 2015-29-30 (https://www.penn.museum/collections/object/512446)

Wrist Knife, Horniman Museum, Accession number: 2010.21.2 (https://www.horniman.ac.uk/object/2010.21.2/)

Abarait, Wrist Knife, The Spurlock Museum, Accession number: 1971.12.0026 (https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/collections/search-collection/details.php?a=1971.12.0026)