Asymmetrical Discoid Knife
Hungaan / Pindi, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, brass
Early 20th century

The style of this blade lands right between the bulbous epalang discoid blades of the Yanzi and the more elongated and angular blades of the Mbuun. Research suggests that these were used ceremonially as prestige symbols and by medicine men, but said research is unfortunately scant. An example with a very similar handle is in the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003).

The 5,000 Hungaan are matrilineal and each clan is headed by the leme, the oldest male in the lineage. Villages are ruled by a chief, whose obligation is to render justice and to guard the anscestors’ skulls, kept on a platform. Beyond hunting and fishing on a small scale, thery are primarily farmers. They are excellent blacksmiths and export their goods widely, be it weapons or agrarian tools (Felix, 100 Peoples of Zaire and Their Sculpture, 1987).

 

19.5 in :: 49.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2161

Price on Request