Sickle Blade Béro
Ngbandi / Yakoma, Central African Republic
Iron, copper, wood
Early 20th century

The Ngbandi called this type of sickle blade béro. The béro was a functional tool and weapon that was also a symbol of prestige. Elsen describes this type: "the majority of examples of this type have such a small wooden grip that one had the impression that it only served to keep in place the protection for the hand." While originally designed for protection, these weapons seem more suitable for cutting than hitting (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Elsen, The Sickle Weapons, Part I, 1996).

This example is more typical of a post-functional example, where the details and embellishments become somewhat baroque. 

18 in :: 46 cm

InventoryID #13-1473

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