Mambeli Sickle Blade
Bandia / Nsakara / Zande of the Rafaï Sultanate, Central African Republic / D.R. Congo
Iron, ivory
Before 1920

This type, called mambeli by the Bandia, is an obscure variation. The blades of the Binja typically share the characteristics seen on this blade of the handle shape, spur style (and presence of a spur), and general form. Other comparable examples of this type have been collected among the Zande of Rafaï and the Benge. These three groups neighbor the Boa and the Bandia, who produced blades with comparable incision designs and general outlines (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Elsen, Tribal Arms Monographs: The Sickle Weapons, Part 1, 1996).

This piece was published in Elsen, Tribal Arms Monographs: The Sickle Weapons, Part 1, 1996, plate 42 (pictured below). 

24.5 in :: 62 cm

InventoryID #13-1499

SOLD