Short Sword, Ntsoko
Ngandu / Saka, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper
Early 20th century

The blacksmiths of the Mongo complex of peoples to which the Saka belong produced a highly varies assortment of knives in this general style. This leaf-shape knife was reportedly used for fighting but also held as a weapon of prestige. Knives of this type could be found in the possession of every adult male among the Saka and their neighbors (Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984).

This example is particularly large. 

23.5 in :: 60 cm

InventoryID #13-2706

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