Basketry knife, Iligwe
Logo / Tooro, D.R. Congo / Uganda
Iron, copper
Early 20th century

This knife was reportedly the prerogative of women, carried behind the belt, and used for basketry work. The ring added onto the loop was considered a talisman. It has been attributed to the Logo in the northeastern corner of the D.R. Congo as well as the Kingdom of Tooro in Western Uganda. Given that these two specific collection locations are relatively close yet still 300 miles apart, a fair conclusion would be that this type was used for basketry work throughout the region ("Knife," American Museum of Natural History, Catalog No: 90.1/ 3085. "Knife with 1 Ring," GRASSI Museum of Ethnology, Inv. number MAF 18206). 

7.625 in :: 19.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1957

SOLD