Religious / Ritual Sword
Yoruba, Nigeria
Brass
Early 20th century

Swords of this type were ceremonial objects for the Ogun cult of the Yoruba, used by blacksmiths, hunters, and others. The head is believed to depict an Abeokuta / Egba woman because of her distinctive braided hairstyle (Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

A sticker attached to the blade reads "A Yoruba 20 May 68 Sotheby 2100." I have yet to locate the catalogue. 

Much gratitude to Stephane Duckett for tracking down the 1968 Sotheby's catalogue mentioned on the sticker, which in fact references this blade:

22.5 in :: 57 cm

InventoryID #13-2104

Price on Request