Prestige Blade, Kikott
Mbala / Yanzi / Dzing, D.R. Congo
Forged iron, wood, copper and iron tape, brass tacks, brass sheet, iron staples
Late 19th/early 20th century

The few comparable examples of this rare type have been attributed to the Mbala, Yanzi, or Dzing people, who were historically influenced by the Teke people. Indeed, the shape of this blade seems to be a hybrid of the radical asymmetric designs of Yanzi blades and the somewhat conservative (yet still asymmetrical) designs of Teke blades. While purely a non-functional symbol of prestige, Felix suggests this type could have been inspired by throwing knives. Other examples of this uncommon type all predate 1920 (Beaute Fatale, 1992; Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Felix, Kipinga, 1991).

Mounted on a custom display stand, pictured below. 

23.5 in :: 59.5 cm

InventoryID #13-596

Price on Request