Emputé Short Sword
Genya / Lokélé / Topoké, D.R. Congo / Rep. of Congo
Copper, wood, iron
Late 19th / early 20th century

While resembling a functional knife, the purpose of this blade was a symbol of high prestige. Over time, the solid iron block on the pommel grew larger and larger, so much so that eventually, these knives became entirely unbalanced and obviously unusable. Frobenius reported this type being collected in the upper Lomami River region in northern D.R. Congo, but additional examples have been collected far northwest, in the Republic of Congo.

This type of short sword was distributed over a wide area and used by a number of Mongo cultures such as the Angba, Genya (Wagénia), Léka, Lokélé, Mba, Mbolé, So (Basoko), Topoké (Eso), and Turumbu. Because use of the Emputé was so widespread, it can be difficult to identify the specific culture from which each piece originated.  

Elsen asserts that the Emputé was most likely invented by the Genya, who seem to be the originators of the concept of great counterweights on short swords, and who were famous merchants and traders (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Spring, African Arms and Armor, 1993; Zirngibl, Rare African Short Weapons, 1983).

14.375 in :: 36.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1805

Price on Request