Asymmetric Prestige Blade ngondi
Yakoma / Sango / Ngbandi, D.R. Congo / Central African Republic
Iron, wood, copper, brass tacks
1890 - 1920

This curved sword was a deluxe prestige symbol designed after the functional blades of the Yakoma, Ngbandi, Sango, Gbanziri, and the Mbugbu. 

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

17.25 in :: 44 cm

InventoryID #13-1446

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