Ceremonial Sickle Knife Lamboumgalla
Chamba / Bata, Nigeria / North Cameroon
Iron, wood, goat hide
Mid 20th century

This axe, which invokes the undulating shapes of a snake, was used by Chamba sacrificial priests to ensure a good millet harvest. In a vigorous dance, the axe, known as Lamboumgalla, was swung violently as the priest expelled the evil spirits who sought to harm a good harvest. The axe was also used to expel evil spirits in masquerades and at the funerals of sacrificial priests.

Since the seventeenth century, the Chamba have lived along the southern bank of the Benue River, which surrounds the mountainous border between Nigeria and Cameroon. They formed small, centralized states that were capable of withstanding the considerable influence of groups such as the Fulani, who occupied the area during the nineteenth century. The Chamba believe that their kings rule by divine right, and developed elaborate cults that associated kingship with the sun. (Berardi, Standing On Ceremony, 2004).

19.25 in :: 49 cm

InventoryID #13-1563

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