Currency Knife
Lobala / Bomboma, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood
Early to mid 20th century

This large, uncommon knife comes from the Lobala culture and was used as an object of currency. The textured surface is an attribute of Lobala worksmanship, and one such object was photographed with a Bomboma woman, who was also carrying a Lobala double sickle blade. The handle on this example is likely a replacement (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003, photo © Musée de l’Afrique, Tervuren, before 1936). 

23.25 in :: 59 cm

InventoryID #13-1347

SOLD