Nagata Prestige Blade
Mangbetu, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper, brass, accumulation
Early 20th century

The Nagata (or Nagala) show knife is less common than the Mangbetu's famous Emambele show knife, and was an important symbol of high prestige.

The Nagata/Nagala sickle knife was worn by men during visits, palavers, and ceremonious social gatherings. Its fancy details and finish gave the bearer a certain distinction and enhanced his reputation and wealth. While it was primarily used for show purposes only, it was also occasionally used to cut branches or for farm work (Schildkrout & Keim, African Reflections: Art From Northeastern Zaire, 1990).

The transposition of the central axis, as seen on this example, is both a rare design element and the most desirable characteristic of Mangbetu weaponry.

The illustration below shows King Mbunza of the Mangbetu holding a Nagata knife with a transposed central axis (another Nagata sits on the stool by his feet). The illustration was drawn in 1870 by George Schweinfurth, a German botanist who was the first European to visit the court of a Mangbetu king (© Harper & Bros. Publishing, 1874).

18 in :: 46 cm

InventoryID #13-2514

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