Large, Incised Short Sword
Chokwe / Lunda, Angola / Zambia
Iron, wood, brass, copper
Early 20th century

This is a well-known style of short sword from the Chokwe, but this example is uncommonly long. It is also elaborately incised on both sides of the blade. 

Around 1860, following a major famine, the Chokwe migrated and settled in Angola. They were governed by a king known as Mwana Ngana, who distributed hunting grounds and cultivated areas. The male Mugonge and female Ukule societies regulated social life (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998).

28.25 in :: 72 cm

InventoryID #13-3060

Price on Request