Asymmetric Prestige Blade
Yakoma / Sango / Ngbandi, D.R. Congo / Central African Republic
Copper, wood
1920 - 1940

This curved sword is a light, second-generation deluxe version of a much heavier and functional blade produced by the Yakoma, Ngbandi, Sango, Gbanziri, and the Mbugbu. The functional examples were typically produced before 1920, and the light, deluxe, prestige blades were produced from 1920 - 1940.

Whereas the heavy knives were used for war and other functional purposes, the light knives were reserved for display in women's initiation ceremonies and as prestige symbols for the elderly. Amongst the Ngbandi, this prestige blade was known as ngondi (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003).

InventoryID #13-1979

SOLD