Ceremonial Dagger
Kusu / Kumu, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, brass
Late 19th / early 20th century

There is very little information available about this obscure type, but it appears to have been designed for ceremonial use. The Kusu and Kumu live in eastern-central D.R. Congo, on opposite sides of the Congo River. Here, the blacksmith plays an important role in legends of their caste system (Felix, 100 Peoples of Zaire and Their Sculpture, 1987; Fischer & Zirngibl, Afrikanische Waffen, 1978; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

A similar piece in the Welt Museum (Vienna) collected in 1887 can be seen here. 

12 in :: 30.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1628

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