Long Sickle Blade
Bandia / Binja / Benge, Central African Republic / D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, leather
Early 20th century

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), metal handle wrap, 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).

32.75 in :: 83 cm

InventoryID #13-1157

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