Ornamental Prestige Sword in Scabbard
Babungo, Northwestern Cameroon
Iron, wood, brass, copper, leather, modern wire (indigenous repair)
Early 20th century

The elaborately decorated short swords with scabbards of the Cameroon Grasslands were symbols of prestige and ostentation, carried in parades and demonstrations of notable leaders, chiefs, and kings. The region of Northwestern Cameroon from where this piece originates is populated with numerous tribes and kingdoms who share elements of culture and tradition.

Although originally intended for use as weapons of war, these weapons became exclusively emblems of status and rank, and comprised merely one element of the artistic material culture from this region, famous for its wood sculpture, brass casting, and beadwork. The blades were made in a limited number of iron working centers, of which Oku and Babungo were of particular importance (Fischer & Zirngibl, Afrikanische Waffen, 1978; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga na visu, 2009).

The bottom right tip of the scabbard was damaged and repaired with modern wire. 

23 in :: 58.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1822

SOLD