Trio of Miniature Blades
Konda, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, brass
Late 19th / early 20th century

These small knives were used by women as functional pocket knives. They come primarily from the Konda, but have also been attributed to other western DRC cultures: Lia, Sengele, Ndengese, and more generally, western / central Mongo (pers. communication, Danny De Waele, 2020; pers. communication, Luc Lefebvre, 2020). 

Seven examples are published in Ballarini, The Perfrct Form: On the Track of African Tribal Currency (2009), and described simply as miniature knives. Ballarini gives a very specific place of origin, but no other information: "They come from Mushenge, a village in western Kasai" (Ballarini, Roberto. The Perfrct Form: On the Track of African Tribal Currency, 2009). 

7.75-8.5 in. :: 19.5-21.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1440

Price on Request