Short Sword, Pamba
Yakoma / Sango / Ngbandi, D.R. Congo / Central African Republic
Iron, wood, copper
19th century

This weapon was part of the arsenal of the Ngbandi, Yakoma, and Sango, but was also found among Gbanziri, Ndunga, Ngenza, and Apakibeti. These peoples primarily inhabited the northwestern D.R. Congo, but some lived on the other side of the Ubangi River in the Central African Republic. This blade demonstrates why the Yakoma were known for the high quality of their forging and workmanship – a perfectly symmetrical outline, multiple piercings, deep, deliberate grooves, precise incisions, and an elaborately decorated handle (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Lefebvre, Ngbandi Yakoma, 2017).

Published: Lefebvre, Ngbandi Yakoma, 2017, plate 159.

Mounted on a custom display stand, pictured below. 

17.5 in :: 44.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1205

SOLD