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African traditional forms

Tuesday 14 February 2023, 04:30 PM • Milan

33

Congo Kinshasa, KONDA, EKONDA

Ornamental knife

Estimate

€ 300 - 400

Sold

€ 448

The price includes buyer's premium

Information

cm 45
Forged iron double shear blade with shaped ribs on both sides.
Wooden handle covered with copper plate. Period patina
Mongo name of origin: Efamba
This is a knife widespread among the various Mongo groups living in the equatorial region of Congo. The Konda or Ekonda, as they were formerly called, are a southern subgroup of the Kundu; they live northeast of Lake Leopold II°, between Lake Tumba to the west, the Lokoko River to the east, and the Lokoro to the south. The shape of the blade varies according to the traditions of the indigenous smiths. The design found at the top of the blade, obtained by punching work, represents a symbol of the clan to which the owner or smith belongs. Their weapon production was influenced in style by the Mongo culture, which in this specimen can be seen in the handle, while the blade is characteristic of Kundu production.

Provenance

Pier Giorgio Cerrini, Bruxelles (1982);

Literature

FISHER W. & ZIRNGIBL M.A. “Afrikanische Waffen”, Passau 1978, pagina 173, figura 313 (202);
BALLARINI Roberto “Armi bianche dell’Africa Nera” Milano 1992, pagina 69. Galleria Africa Curio (276);