Sword in Scabbard, Ngoro / Ngota
Shi / Havu / Tutsi, Rwanda / D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper
Early 20th century

This distinctive long sword has an undecorated blade with sharp edges and a pronounced midrib. It was carried in a sheath composed of two pieces of wood held together with vegetal fiber or, in this case, wrapped thin wire. One account describes them as being worn on a strap behind the head (Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

From the collection of Corneel De Vleeschouwer, Antwerp, Belgium. Lempertz described Vleeschouwer in 2023:

“Corneel De Vleeschouwer was born in Antwerp into a family of modest means. He trained as a chef and at the end of the 1950s started work on the Congo boats of the CMB (Compagnie Maritime Belge) making regular trips between Antwerp and the Belgian Congo. It was during these trips to Africa that his interest in African art developed. His particular interest in African iron weapons would lead him to train as a blacksmith.”

18.5 in :: 47 cm

InventoryID #13-2736

Price on Request