Asymmetrical Knife in Sheath
Hemba / Havu / Luba / Kusu / Holoholo, D.R. Congo / Tanzania
Iron, wood, copper, brass
Early 20th century

This blade type is typically quite small and graceful, and carried in a carefully decorated sheath. This example, however, is absolutely colossal for the type, roughly twice the typical size. It was carried by the Hemba, Havu, eastern Luba, and Kusu who live in southeastern D.R. Congo, and by the Holoholo who live on the other side of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. The small knives were used for scarification, shaving, and circumcision, but were also items 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).

The blade on this example was forged in the traditional manner and shows appropriate signs of age (grain and delamination). However, its considerable size suggests that it originated after or late within the
traditional 1880 - 1920 time window. Clearly, this was a potent visual symbol, and an important, flashy piece of jewelry.

12.75 in :: 32 cm

InventoryID #13-2341

SOLD