Elaborately Decorated Short Sword
Undetermined Culture, Sub-Saharan Africa
Iron, wood, copper
Late 19th / early 20th century

While there are surely more, I have found nine examples of this very distinct sword, and just as many dedicated African knife experts who have weighed in on its possible place of origin. The handle design and decoration, blade outline, and incision patterns demonstrate a very specific and distinct style, but one that no one has been able to identify. This sword represents one of the few mysteries that remain in this field. Incredibly, each expert with whom I have consulted has a different consideration of the place of origin: West Africa, eastern Nigeria, Cameroon, Aruwimi River District (northern D.R. Congo), Luba (southern D.R. Congo), and Zanzibar. One of these swords is in the collection of the American Museum of Natural History, and given the attribution “Aruwimi?”, which is why that has become the default attribution. But the flowery incision patterns seen on this example are unique, and could be the key that opens the door to solve to this mystery.

Mounted on a custom display stand, pictured below. 

Published: 100 African Blades, no. 87 (Rider, 2021).  

21 in :: 53 cm

InventoryID #13-1487

SOLD