Nagata Prestige Blade
Mangbetu, D.R. Congo
Forged iron, wood, bronze/brass
Late 19th century
The Nagata (or Nagala) show knife is less common than the Mangbetu's famous Emambele show knife, and was an important symbol of high prestige.
The Nagata/Nagala sickle knife was worn by men during visits, palavers, and ceremonious social gatherings. Its fancy details and finish gave the bearer a certain distinction and enhanced his reputation and wealth. While it was primarily used for show purposes only, it was also occasionally used to cut branches or for farm work (Schildkrout & Keim, African Reflections: Art From Northeastern Zaire, 1990).
The transposition of the central axis, as seen on this example, is both a rare design element and the most desirable characteristic of Mangbetu weaponry.
The illustration below shows King Mbunza of the Mangbetu holding a Nagata knife with a transposed central axis (another Nagata sits on the stool by his feet). The illustration was drawn in 1870 by George Schweinfurth, a German botanist who was the first European to visit the court of a Mangbetu king (© Harper & Bros. Publishing, 1874).
Mounted on a custom display stand (not pictured).
17 in :: 43 cm
InventoryID #13-945
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