Double-Eye Musele Knife
Kota, Gabon
Forged Iron, wood, brass, copper
Early 20th century

Often called a "bird head" knife for its resemblance to the African Hornbill (Calao), the musele knife was carried by chiefs and ritual specialists of the Mungala secret society. Despite resembling the design of some throwing knives, this object was a potent spiritual symbol that was not intended for use as a knife. Spring writes: "Among the Kota, spears, knives and swords, including the musele, were considered to be emblems of the owner's status and were left on tombs of chiefs after death, along with the family reliquary. One cannot, then, study Kota reliquary figures in isolation from the musele and other weaponry" (African Arms and Armor, 1993).

Another Kota double-eye was published in Spring's 1993 book, Plate 1.

This piece shows great oxidation on the exposed parts of the wood handle and is selectively polished: the back side shows the original patina of the iron.

ex. Boris Magasanik

Published: 100 African Blades, no. 43 (Rider, 2021). 

13 in :: 33 cm

InventoryID #13-1113

Price on Request