Ceremonial Sword
Mpamba / Sengele / Tumba, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood
Early 20th century

In the region of Lakes Tumba and Maï-Ndombe, the Tumba, Mpama, and Sengele peoples have a rather characteristic way of forging their blades, expressed by a series of small incised lines as seen here. These knives were used as symbols of dignity by leaders and chiefs, and as dance knives for women (Gosseau, Tribal Arms Monographs Vol. 1 No. 2, 1997; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

At 24.5 inches, this is a substantial example. 

24.5 in :: 62 cm

InventoryID #13-1995

SOLD