Miniature Copper Prestige Blade
Mondzombo / Ngbaka / Lobala, NW D.R. Congo / Rep. of Congo
Copper, wood, brass nail
Mid-19th century

This miniature knife was collected between 1875 and 1878 by Corporal Mazier during the first Mission of Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza in what was then known as the French Congo, but today is called the Republic of Congo (sometimes also called Congo Brazzaville). 

The shape of the knife and handle strongly resembles Mondzombo blades; the materials and incision patterns are consistent with Lobala and Ngbaka blades; the handle wrap is consostent with Ngbandi blades - these groups are all present in the area where the knife was collected. 

This blade probably served as a luxury item for notables and chiefs, but could have also been used ceremonially, notably in initiation rites for young men (Gosseau, Tribal Arms Monographs Vol. 1 Nº2 , 1997).

Mounted on a custom display stand, pictured below. 

9.5 in :: 24 cm

InventoryID #13-1318

SOLD