Cephalomorphic Blade in Sheath
Bali / Wum, Cameroon Grasslands
Iron, wood, leather, vegetal fiber
Early 20th century

Describing a piece that is very similar to this example, Paul Gebauer 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 (Art of Cameroon, 1979).

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).

This piece has a strand of modern string holding the leather wrap together on the back side, which seems very functional. 

20.125 in :: 51 cm

InventoryID #13-2572

Price on Request