Asymmetrical Dagger in Sheath
Chokwe / Lunda / Lwena, Angola / D.R. Congo / Zambia
Wood, leather, iron, brass tacks, copper
Late 19th / early 20th century

This dagger was produced by the Chokwe (Tschokwé), but also found among the Lunda and Lwena. The knife itself was known as Poko or Tewla, and the sheath was known as Cindalo. It was always heavily decorated like a piece of jewelry, with upholstery tacks and elaborate gemoetric designs. The handle is carved to deliberately display the tang of the iron blade. The front (decorated) side of the sheath is typically made of carved wood or embossed leather - this example is carved wood (Elsen, De Fer et De fierté, 2003; Felix & GE (Eds.), Fatal Beauty: Traditional Weapons from Central Africa, 2009). 

10.5 in :: 27 cm

InventoryID #13-1849

SOLD