Dagger with Sheath, Sape
Mangbetu / Azande (Zande), D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, leather, brass
Early 20th century

Mangbetu daggers (sape) were typically carried at the waist, usually in a sheath, and served as both ornament and implement. The earliest documented examples of anthropomorphic carving definitively associated with the Mangbetu were found on this type of blade. The sape was also found among the Azande, where they rarely have figurative carving on the handle. Sape blades were used by men and women for many purposes (Schildkrout, African Reflections: Art from Northeastern Zaire, 1990).

Like many pieces from this region surmounted by a large wooden disc, this example's handle was broken. It was restored in a way that makes the repair visible, so as not to be deceptive.

Ex. Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed al-Thani (1966-2014), London / Doha

7.25 in :: 18.5 cm

InventoryID #13-3024

Price on Request