Embellished Dagger Balingbwa
Tétéla / Nkutchu / Hamba, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper
Late 19th / 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 (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). 

This piece is uncommonly large and has three intact tips protruding from the north (quite long), east, and west appendages. Note its size compared to a standard Balingbwa, pictured below. 

Weight: 650g

17 in :: 43 cm

InventoryID #13-1762

SOLD