Balingbwa Dagger with Long Pommel
Tetela / Kusu, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper
Early 20th century

Knives of this type exhibit sophistication, balance, and precision. They were worn by adult men, placed under their belt, without a sheath. Below the handle, baligbwa daggers typically have either a long metal cone, a solid counterweight, or a loop (Elsen, De Fer et De fierté, 2003). 

The Tetela are not organised into a state with a central leader. They are divided into many independent communities, each composed of a number of lineages descended from a common male anscestor. These groups are governed by hereditary chiefs kokolomani, through a prime minister nyampara, who in turn directs subchiefs and village heradmen. Some political chiefs are female (Felix, 100 Peoples of Zaire and Their Sculpture, 1987). 

14.75 in :: 37.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2531

SOLD