Curved Sword in Elaborate Leather Sheath
Manding (Mandingo), Senegal / Gambia / Guinea / Mali / Ivory Coast / Niger
Leather, iron, wood
Early 20th century

The Mandingo are an ancient culture spread across West Africa, from Guinea to Niger. A migratory Islamic culture, they are famous for their ornate leatherwork, seen here. Their blades are simple and often symmetrical, yet executed with precision.

Long curved swords of this type were typically the prerogative of the Mandingo living in Guinea and Mali. They were also reportedly carried by the Bassan, a subgroup of the Mandingo (Spring, African Arms and Armor, 1993; Tirri, Islamic and Native Weapons of Colonial Africa, 2007; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

29 in :: 74 cm

InventoryID #13-1927

SOLD