Asymmetrical Knife
Luba / Songye, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper
1880 - 1920

This graceful knife was used by the Luba and Songye who live in southeastern D.R. Congo. Described by Westerdijk as a "work knife," it was also used for scarification, shaving, and circumcision, but was also an item of prestige. European knives and razors replaced objects like this early on because of their superior cutting edge, and as such, knives of this type are typically old (1880-1920) and rare. Bastide suggests they were also used in “cult activities” (Bastide, Traditional Weapons of Africa, 2010; Elsen, Beaute Fatale, 1992; Elsen, Fatal Beauty (orange edition), 2009; Westerdijk, Ijzerwerk van Centraal-Afrika, 1975).

13 in :: 33 cm

InventoryID #13-1831

SOLD