Ceremonial Short Sword
Igbo / Igala, Nigeria
Iron, wood
Late 19th / early 20th century

This ceremonial short sword comes from the Igbo and Igala from the Cross River cluster of central-southern Nigeria. Iron blades in this style were originally used in warfare, but their function changed entirely to ceremony generations ago. They were reportedly the prerogative of the "Okega" cult, which is related to the famous "Ikenga" cult (Cole, Igbo Arts: Community and Cosmos, 1984; "Iron knife, Nigeria," Museum of Vancouver, FC 43; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

Below, this short sword is shown alongside a large wooden example that served the same purpose. 

17.75 in :: 45 cm

InventoryID #13-1899

SOLD