Ornamental Prestige Sword in Scabbard
Babungo, Northwestern Cameroon
Iron, wood, bamboo, leather, hippopotamus, vegetal fiber
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).

This piece has an old collection tag attached, which reads "Working hatchet Mfunte tribe, Bamenda. Forged at Kwedja. Purchased at Ntong June 1948. Purchased June 1948. Scabbard made by owner - 'bamboo' and hippo hide." 

22.25 in :: 56.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2365

SOLD