Diminutive Symmetrical Discoid Knife, Mossal
Ngul / Yanzi / Mbuun, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood
Late 19th / early 20th century

The Ngul, Yanzi, Mbuun, and western branches of the Kuba people, are recognized as the originators of this wide discoid blade known as mossal. Some examples were painted with red and white dots and used by medicine men as a ceremonial dance implement or magic scepter. Indeed, the surviving examples of painted mossals strongly resemble ritual face painting among these groups. Additional information about their meaning and function is unfortunately scant (Berardi, Standing on Ceremony, 2004; Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003).

10.25 in :: 26 cm

InventoryID #13-1639

SOLD