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

The Ngandu and Saka, who live along the Maringa and Tshuapa Rivers in west-central D.R. Congo, create short swords of this type, sometimes with selective blackening on the blade, as seen here. 

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 (Elsen, De Fer et De fierté, 2003; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

20.75 in :: 52.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1997

Price on Request