Embellished Dagger balingbwa with Copper Loop
Tétéla / Nkutchu / Hamba, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper
Early 20th century

Knives of this type exhibit sophistication, balance, and precision. They were worn by adult men, placed under their belt, without a sheath. Below the handle, baligbwa daggers typically have either a long metal cone, a solid counterweight, or a loop, as seen here. However, it is quite uncommon for the loop to be composed of copper; typically it is iron (Elsen, De Fer et De fierté, 2003). 

The Tetela are not organised into a state with a central leader. They are divided into many independent communities, each composed of a number of lineages descended from a common male anscestor. These groups are governed by hereditary chiefs kokolomani, through a prime minister nyampara, who in turn directs subchiefs and village heradmen. Some political chiefs are female (Felix, 100 Peoples of Zaire and Their Sculpture, 1987). 

11.25 in :: 28.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1734

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