Short Sword Mambeli in Sheath
Boa / Angba / Hanga, D.R. Congo
Forged iron, wood, brass wrap, brass and iron tacks, rattan
Late 19th/early 20th century

In addition to being a functional blade, the mambeli short sword served as a symbol of prestige and as currency. Most were carried under the belt without a sheath; examples with a sheath are rare. While their dimensions vary considerably—from 8 to 36 inches—the size of the handle is always relatively small.  

The mambeli short sword was produced in large quantities by the Boa (Ababua, Bobwa), Angba (including the Mongelima), and Hanga. They were also collected among numerous neighboring populations, including the Bandia, Zande, Mangbetu, Nzakara, Barambo, Mba, Ndaaka, Bati, Binja, and Bengé. Their popularity and widespread distribution resulted in innumerable local variants designed by neighboring peoples.

The Boa migrated to their current homeland in northeastern D.R. Congo from the west, and arrived before the Bandia and Barambo migrated from the northwest, and the Mangbetu from the east. The Zande then arrived from the north and settled nearby. The Mangbetu, Zande, and Bandia exerted a preponderant influence on the Boa, particularly in their clothing, daggers, and shields. Despite this strong influence, the Boa remained independent.

A comparable mambeli blade with a sheath of similar manufacture was published in Lame d'Africa and was collected in 1902. The handle of this piece was restored, with the upper right corner of the handle artistically rebuilt (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Piccardi, Lame d’Africa, 2002).

21.5 in :: 55 cm

InventoryID #13-1192

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