Inauthentic Short Sword in Sheath
In the style of the Luba, D.R. Congo
Forged iron, wood, leather, rattan
21st century

A few years ago, all of a sudden, Luba knives of recent manufacture appeared in vetted shows, reputable publications, and in the galleries of respected dealers. “Sometimes things come in waves,” was the advice I received from a colleague. I purchased this Luba knife while that surge was happening, just so I wouldn’t miss out.

The wooden sheath on this example is absolutely brand new, even though the designs are traditional. The leather is fresh, and the rattan ties are brand new. While there are a hundred signals that indicate the recent manufacture of this piece, there are as many signals that indicate that it was manufactured with traditional techniques. The wood handle is chiseled with the right tools, and the iron blade is correct in many ways.

But a Luba knife complete with sheath is rare, and a Luba blade with incisions is also rare. Certainly, a Luba knife with both incisions and sheath would benefit greatly from strong provenance, which is what all the pieces in the “new wave” lack. This Luba knife (like many of the recent fakes) shows some extremely careless blacksmithing, with excessive pooling surrounding the incisions, and some sloppy lines and details.

In general, it’s clear to me that this piece was manufactured recently, but there are many ways in which it is convincingly deceptive. These knives might still be used ceremonially today, which could explain their continued recent manufacture (which seems like a weak leg to stand upon), but certainly there is a high demand for them as modern commodities simulating traditional objects.

It took me two years to write about this piece, because the attributes that make it inauthentic are so elusive and subtle.

22 in :: 56 cm

InventoryID #13-1250

Not For Sale