Broad Fullered Short Sword
Gisi / Bassa / Kpelle / Kru, Inland Central Liberia
Iron, wood
19th century

This exceedingly rare sword type is present in a few private and museum collections, and it is often misattributed—sometimes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, probably for its similarities to Luba swords with wide fullers, and sometimes to Gabon, likely for the way its curvaceous outline resembles Gabonese swords. Visually, it is most closely related to the curved swords of the Kru, and indeed it originates from a culture neighboring them from the central or western Liberian hinterland. Identifying the specific culture that utilized this blade involves some guesswork, but it was most likely the prerogative of the Bassa, Kissi (Gisi), or Kpelle. Collection dates indicate that these blades are typically more than 150 years old. The rugged terrain of inland Liberia unquestionably is a contributing reason that so few examples remain today.

The tip of the blade on this example was broken and then re-sharpened. The patina is complex and thick. 

21.5 in :: 54.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2951

Price on Request