**Originally Listed At $650**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mangbetu culture, ca. mid-20th century CE. A pair of forged iron throwing knives that double as currency pieces, each with a forged iron blade and a hand-carved ivory handle. Known singularly as a trumbash (also trombash), the knives each pose a sharpened, pointed blade that, while intimidating in form, was primarily used as a symbol of rank and used for trade currency. Each handle is carved into a figure with a slightly elongated head - traditionally the Mangbetu practiced skull modification (Lipombo) by tightly wrapping baby heads to achieve the aesthetic shape! Size of largest: 7.5" L x 1.4" W x 12" H (19 cm x 3.6 cm x 30.5 cm); 14.5" H (36.8 cm) on included custom stand.

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection, before 2000; ex-Southfield Pavilion Antiques Exposition

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#182665

Each knife with slight bending to iron blade, wear and softening to handle details, and a few stable hairline fissures on handles, otherwise in great condition. Nice patina throughout.