Solid Iron Prestige Knife, Emambele
Mangbetu, D.R. Congo
Iron
Early 20th century

The most famous of the Mangbetu's prestige knives was the Emambele, the sharp-angled sickle-shaped knife with two or three holes. Its hilt was made of a variety of materials, including brass, wood, ivory, and iron. Many of the carved handles were made by a different man than the blacksmith, who created the blade. They were considered important marks of distinction and were conspicuously worn (Schildkrout & Keim, African Reflections: Art from Northeastern Zaire, 1990).

Examples composed of a single, solid piece of iron such as this are quite rare. 

Weight: 642g

13.5 in :: 34 cm

InventoryID #13-3015

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