Trio of Ikakalaka Prestige Swords
Western Mongo: Konda / Kundu / Ntomba / Kote, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, brass, vegetal fiber
Late 19th / early 20th century

Most commonly referred to as a 'court sword,' this knife was generally associated with assigning a certain prestige upon its owner. The fortunate keeper never missed an occasion to exhibit theirs - partially to demonstrate their wealth and partially to impose themselves on their fellow countrymen. This way, these weapons quickly became parade objects and even the symbols of dignity or emblems of social position (Maes, J. & Lavachery, H. L'art nègre, a l'exposition du Palais des Beaux-Arts, 1930).

These three were acquired from the same old collection, and clearly bear many similarities. Having been together for so long and possibly even the work of the same smith, I have elected not to split up the group. Each blade is substantial and sharp. 

18 in :: 46 cm
17.125 in :: 43.5 cm
17.75 in :: 45 cm

InventoryID #13-2112

SOLD