Short Sword ntsoko
Ngandu / Saka, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, brass
Early 20th century

The ntsoko short sword comes from the northeastern Mongo: the Ngandu, Saka, Lalia, and Kuru. The blacksmiths of the Mongo complex produced a highly varied assortment of knives with a leaflike shape such as this example. While primarily functioning as prestige weapons, they could also be used in combat. Westerdijk asserts that these knives "could be found in the possession of every adult male among the Saka and their neighbors" (Elsen, De Fer et De fierté, 2003; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984). 

21.25 in :: 54 cm

InventoryID #13-1738

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