Skeuomorphic Wood Sword Ntsakh or Fa
Fang, Gabon
Wood, copper
Early 20th century

This skeuomorphic wooden blade mimics the iron short swords of the Fang, who inhabit the rainforest in an area that stretches over three countries. While primarily symbols of status, Ntsakh short swords were also used in a ceremonial context, which is alsmost certainly the purpose of this example (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003).

Another all-wood Fang sword can be found in the collection of the Royal Museum for Central Africa, seen here. 

Another related piece has a wooden spoon instead of a blade - it is in the collection of the Musée Dapper, pictured below (inv. No. 7122, © Archives Musée Dapper - Photo Hughes Dubois).

27 in :: 68.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2306

Price on Request