Ngulu Sickle Blade
Ngombe, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, brass tacks, leather
Early 20th century

An interesting note, Elsen describes how, contrary to most central African knife types with wooden handles, the Ngulu iron blade doesn't extend through the base of the wooden handle, as its function is primarily that of prestige, and thus doesn't require the sturdiness of other functional blade types. However, Elsen notes, on older types more closely related to functional examples, "the blade is kept in place by coiling around the first indent a braid of leather... fitted tightly above the metal binding. This mode of fastening can be found only in very old weapons" (Execution Knives and Derivatives, 1997).

ex. Patrick Mestdagh

22.5 in :: 57 cm

InventoryID #13-907

Price on Request