Sacred Insignia Blade
Woyo / Kakongo / Yombe, D.R. Congo
Wood
Early 20th century

This intricately carved sacred blade, known as cimpaba or tshiphaaba, was used by the Woyo, Kakongo, and Yombe. The three upright feline figures baring their teeth each have a snake crawling up their neck (never in the center of their neck, always to one side), and the entire leading edge of the blade is covered by one long, scaled snake – this imagery was certainly very important and most likely invoked a specific allegory that was meaningful to the culture (Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009). 

According to Faik-Nzuji, these knives were kept under lock and key and only used in important political and religious events such as the funeral or new appointment of a chief, or to serve witness during the testimonies at the royal or princely court (La Puissance du sacré: L'homme, la nature, et l'art en Afrique noire, 1993).

21.25 in :: 54 cm

InventoryID #13-1800

Price on Request