Dagger in Sheath, Sape
Mangbetu / Azande (Zande), D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, leather, brass, vegetal fiber
Early 20th century

Mangbetu daggers (sape) were typically carried at the waist, usually in a sheath, and served as both ornament and implement. The earliest documented examples of anthropomorphic carving definitevely associated with the Mangbetu were found on this type of blade. The sape is also found among the Azande, where they rarely have figurative carving on the handle. Sape blades were used by men and women for many purposes (Schildkrout, African Reflections: Art from Northeastern Zaire, 1990). 

10.5 in :: 26.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2412

SOLD