Lot: 214

92nd Tribal Art Auction

Chieftain sword

D. R. Congo, Lobala

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
L: 21.3 inch This object is not available anymore.

wood, metal,
The shape of the knife was, according to Zirngibl, developed from the judgement sword of the Ngala. The shapely knives seem to embody an elongated human figure with raised arms. Possession of such knives was reserved for chiefs.


Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Werner Fischer, Afrikanische Waffen, Passau 1978, p. 115, ill. 201