Pair of Parade Knives
Budu, Mangbele, Baali, Meje, Momvu, D.R. Congo
Forged iron, wood, brass tacks and wire, flattened steel
Early 20th century

Most often labeled as originating from the Momvu, this blade type was the prerogative of a number of tribes in the northeastern D.R. Congo, including the Budu, Mangbele, Baali, Meje, and Momvu. They were finely finished parade knives, used mostly by women (Elsen, Tribal Arms Monographs, Vol. 1 Nº3).

The undated B&W photo below is © Josse Van den Steen.

13.75 / 12.5 in :: 35 / 32 cm

InventoryID #13-967

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