Dagger in Sheath, “Sapi”
Mangbetu / Barambo, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, reptile skin, vegetal fiber, brass, copper
Early 20th century

Daggers of this type originated from the D.R. Congo and belonged to the typical man’s regalia of the Mangbetu area of influence. They were called Sapi and were worn around the waist on wide cord-like straps twisted from liana fibers. While mostly collected from the Mangbetu, they were also found amongst the Barambo (Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009). 

9.75 in :: 25 cm

InventoryID #13-2063

SOLD