Estimate
€ 350 - 450
Sold
€ 486
The price includes buyer's premium
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Information
cm 71
Northern region, bend of the Congo River (Ngala), upper reaches of the Giri River (Ngombe)
Outer shear forged iron blade engraved on both sides. End wrapped with a spiral of iron plate. Molded wooden handle to protect the hand. Beautiful patina of use. Prestige objectName of origin: Ngwolo
The Ngala are called "water people" because they live on both sides of the Congo River along its great bend. They used these knives in tribal disputes to fight but also to impress their opponents; they also flaunted them during parades. Since they were considered precious objects they also served as dowries to procure a wife, the cost of which could take 20 pieces. Fine blade engravings are characteristic of the weapons of these groups.
Northern region, bend of the Congo River (Ngala), upper reaches of the Giri River (Ngombe)
Outer shear forged iron blade engraved on both sides. End wrapped with a spiral of iron plate. Molded wooden handle to protect the hand. Beautiful patina of use. Prestige objectName of origin: Ngwolo
The Ngala are called "water people" because they live on both sides of the Congo River along its great bend. They used these knives in tribal disputes to fight but also to impress their opponents; they also flaunted them during parades. Since they were considered precious objects they also served as dowries to procure a wife, the cost of which could take 20 pieces. Fine blade engravings are characteristic of the weapons of these groups.
Provenance
Pier Giorgio Cerrini, Bruxelles (1983);
Literature
FISCHER WERNER & ZIRNGIBL MANFRED A. “Afrikanische Waffen” Passau 1978, pag. 108 - 112 (202);
BALLARINI ROBERTO “Armi bianche dell’Africa Nera” Milano 1992, pagg. 57 - 58. Galleria Africa Curio (276);
ELSEN JAN & AUTORI VARI “Beauté Fatale: Armes d’Afrique Centrale” Crédit Communal, Bruxelles 1992, pagg. 127 e 129 (292);
BALLARINI ROBERTO “Armi bianche dell’Africa Nera” Milano 1992, pagg. 57 - 58. Galleria Africa Curio (276);
ELSEN JAN & AUTORI VARI “Beauté Fatale: Armes d’Afrique Centrale” Crédit Communal, Bruxelles 1992, pagg. 127 e 129 (292);