Ikakalaka Prestige Sword
Western Mongo: Konda / Kundu / Ntomba / Kote, D.R. Congo
Brass, wood
Early 20th century

Most commonly referred to as a 'court sword,' this knife was generally associated with assigning a certain prestige upon its owner. The fortunate keeper never missed an occasion to exhibit theirs - partially to demonstrate their wealth and partially to impose themselves on their fellow countrymen. This way, these weapons quickly became parade objects and even the symbols of dignity or emblems of social position (Maes, J. & Lavachery, H. L'art nègre, a l'exposition du Palais des Beaux-Arts, 1930).

This piece is mounted on a custom display stand, pictured below. 

16.75 in :: 42.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1161

SOLD