Multi-Purpose Miniature Knife
Bamangwato / Batovana / Bechuana / Sotho, South Africa / Lesotho / Botswana
Iron
Late 19th century

This small, delicate piece comes from southern Africa, and was a multi-purpose tool and prestige item. It was used as a snuff spoon, a sweat scraper, a pendant, a leather scraper, and as a piece of jewelry. 

While other examples are present in prominent museums, it is challenging to find another with the elaborate incision patterns seen here. One such piece was illustrated by the Frobenius Institute in a document from an expedition across southern Africa, 1920-30, pictured below (Frobenius-Institut Register No. 08800).  

5.75 in :: 15 cm

InventoryID #13-1653

SOLD