Sculptor's / Carver's Knife Mangbetu, D.R. Congo

Sculptor's / Carver's Knife
Mangbetu, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper, brass
Early 20th century

Knives of this type were used for carving wood and ivory. The blade is sharpened on only one side, allowing the forefinger to rest on the blunt, outer blade. This positioning gives the carver greater control and precision (Schildkrout and Keim, African Reflections, 1990).

13.25 :: 34 cm