Double Sickle Blade, bango or bwagogambanza
Lobala/Ngbaka/Bondjo, D.R. Congo
Forged iron, wood, thick copper wire
Early 20th century

In abstract human form, the Bango blade displays symmetry and sophistication. The small circular imprints on the surface of this blade indicate its origin from the Lobala, yet it also wears the short-lined v-shaped incisions indicative of the Ngbaka and Bondjo groups, who also created this blade type. Elsen describes the function of this blade type as "luxury weapons for notables and chiefs." They were also used ceremonially, notably in initiation rites for young men (Gosseau, Tribal Arms Monographs Vol. 1 Nº2, 1997).

19 in :: 48.5 cm

InventoryID #13-969

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