Dagger in Scabbard
Mabendi, Northeastern D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, vegetal fiber
19th century

Within the region spanning northeastern D.R. Congo and western Uganda are a number of blades that are simultaneously functional, symbolic, and personal; these blades also tend to be quite small. This blade embodies all of those characteristics, but is of unusually large size for the region. Although it is a historically well-documented type, surviving examples are exceedingly few in number, and whatever symbolic meaning they once held could now be lost.  

The metal piece affixed to the bottom of the scabbard is commonly a cone with a spearhead-shaped blade pointing downwards. This example is most unusual in that the bottom piece is instead a spike. However, the spike appears to be manufactured correctly, with traditional techniques, and original.

The loop near the top of the scabbard was likely originally covered with leather, leaving behind the dark discoloration of the wood near the loop. That leather was likely replaced by the woven vegetal fiber strip now present. 

The scabbard is carved from one solid piece of wood. 

20 in :: 51 cm

InventoryID #13-2604

Price on Request