Trumbash Prestige Knife
Medje/Mangbetu, D.R. Congo
Forged iron, wood
Early 20th century

Like the Mangbetu's famous Emambele and Nagata show knives, the Trumbash was an important mark of prestige that was prominently displayed during important gatherings and ceremonial occasions.

This piece wears some important yet subtle differences from Mangbetu blades, which might indicate its origin from the Medje. The iron blade is conspicuously two-dimensional, and shows softer curves, while the handle is skinny, long, and undecorated (Elsen, Tribal Arms Monographs Vol. 1 Nº3 , 1997).

16 in :: 41 cm

InventoryID #13-542

SOLD