Currency Blade
Lobala / Loi / Bomboma, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, brass, copper
Early 20th century

This uncommon knife comes from the Lobala culture and was used as an object of currency. One closely related object was photographed with a Bomboma woman, who was also carrying a Lobala double sickle blade (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003, photo © Musée de l’Afrique, Tervuren, before 1936). 

Ballarini describes this type as an object of currency (The Perfect Form, 2009). 

The shape of the handle where it meets the blade is unique and extremely similar to the field photo. 

17 in :: 43 cm

InventoryID #13-2336

Price on Request