Large Sickle Blade, Béro
Ngombe, Doko, Poto, Mbudja, Ngbandi, D.R. Congo
Forged iron, leather, brass and copper eyes, heavy gauge iron tape
Before 1920

This sickle weapon type is found among the Ngombe, Doko, Poto, and Mbudja. The Ngbandi, who regularly supplied the Ngombe and neighboring groups, called it béro. The béro was a functional tool and weapon that was also a symbol of prestige. Elsen describes this type: "the majority of examples of this type have such a small wooden grip that one had the impression that it only served to keep in place the protection for the hand." While originally designed for protection, these weapons seem more suitable for cutting than hitting. This massive example has scalloped edges, elaborate incisions, and metal eyes of brass and copper (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Elsen, The Sickle Weapons, Part I, 1996).

27 in :: 68.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1021

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