Inauthentic Birdhead Knife Osélé or Onzil
In the style of the Kota, Gabon
Solid copper
1985-1995

The solid-copper "birdhead" knife imitated traditional Kota designs and was invented by Manfred Zirngibl, who told a grand tale about its origin and value in his 1983 book Seltene Afrikanische Kurzwaffen (Rare African Short Weapons). Zirngibl paid a blacksmith named Tilman Hebeisen to craft seven unique birdhead blades from thick sheets of copper. Zirngibl then published one of those copper blades in his 1983 book with a fantastical origin story. 

None of these blades are authentic, and none of them were made in Africa. However, the publication of Hebeisen's work in Zirngibl's book caused quite a stir. While Hebeisen made only seven "original" fakes, it didn't take long for the market to respond. 

This piece is a "second generation" copper Kota. The original iteration consisted of Hebeisen's seven inventions. This piece is a copy or imitation of those original seven pieces. 

Kota birdhead knives are always detailed on one side and flat on the other, like all African throwing knives. Hebeisen's invented copper knives were the same. This piece, however, is textured on both sides. It is also much smaller than the original seven pieces.

There are two copper knives of this type made the same hand. They also share the same provenance.   

Weight: 1162g

Weight of Hebeisen original: 2414g

12.5 in :: 31.75 cm

InventoryID #13-2605

Not For Sale