Losandja Short Sword
Mbole, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper
1925 - 1950

This elegant short sword was known as losandja, and was used primarily as a symbol of status and prestige, but also in ceremonial dances. It was manufactured by the Mbole, who were talented and prolific copper smiths, famous in the West for their circular copper anklets.

During the 1920s, the Mbole began using European iron and consequently, Mbole knives became wider and longer (Elsen, De Fer et de Fierté, 2003). 

This example is the largest I have encountered. Pictured below next to full-size bottle of wine, it weighs 1,030g. 

Two publications illustrated large eamples of this type, both smaller than this piece:
De Fer et de Fierté: 22.5 in.
Panga Na Visu: 23 in.

27.25 in :: 69 cm

InventoryID #13-2058

Price on Request