Emambele Prestige Knife
Mangbetu, D.R. Congo
Brass, wood
Circa 1900

The most famous of the Mangbetu's prestige knives was the Emambele, the sharp-angled sickle-shaped knife with two or three holes. Its hilt was made of a variety of materials, including brass, wood, ivory, and iron. Many of the carved handles were made by a different man than the blacksmith, who created the blade. They were considered important marks of distinction and were conspicuously worn (Schildkrout & Keim, African Reflections: Art from Northeastern Zaire, 1990).

A rare brass example.

Mounted on a custom display stand that allows either side to be presented as the front, pictured below. 

Published: 
De Waele & Lefebvre, Mangbetu, 2008
Lefebvre, Âmes de formes. Formes de Lames, 2007 

Exhibited:
Âmes de formes. Formes de Lames. 5-31 Dec. 2009, Voyageurs du Monde, Lille.

15.75 in :: 40 cm

InventoryID #13-1200

SOLD