Ceremonial Knife with Brass handle and Scabbard
Bata / Vere, Nigeria
Brass, iron
Early 20th century

The Bata and Vere live in northeastern Nigeria and are well know as experts in the lost wax casting technique. Ceremonial knives with brass handles and scabbards were sometimes made with openwork sections, as seen here (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003, Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

On this example, the seven bells atop the handle are filled with noisemakers, and as such, this blade jingles when it moves.

A similar but less impressive example is in the collection of the Seattle Art Museum, from Katherine White and the Boeing Company (81.17.629). 

10.625 in :: 27 cm

InventoryID #13-2064

Price on Request