Cephalomorphic Blade in Sheath
Bali / Wum, Cameroon Grasslands
Iron, wood, hide with fur, rattan
Early 20th century

P. Gebauer (1979) wrote that this type of sword was used by the Aghem (Wum) in the northwestern Cameroon grasslands (Tadkon enclave) as a working knife for palm wine production.

On the other hand, C. Schenk (1966) reported that members of the Wum culture carried it as a ritual sword at festivals of the dead and used it for the ceremonial killing of sacrificial animals.

As the blade is sharp, sturdy, and substantial, either function is certainly plausible.

The upward-looking head at the end of the handle is reminiscent of the famous helmet crest masks worn ceremonially in the grasslands region (Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

15.25 in :: 39 cm

InventoryID #13-2134

SOLD