metal, wood, a) pointed blade with elaborate incised ornaments on either side, wooden handle wrapped in metal wire, provided with heavy knob, min. dam., slight signs of usage and corrosion, base, l: 39,5 cm; b) similar design, handle enveloped in brass sheet, slight traces of corrosion and usage, base, l: 48 cm;
such knives usually have heavy steel butts, some weigh up to 2,5 kg. There are several theories about the usage: as currency, as drop-knives which were dropped butt first from trees on the enemy passing beneath, to increase the impact force or as decorative element.
Provenance:
a)Marc Leo Felix, Brussels, Belgium
Jens Jahn, Munich, Germany Jahn, Munich, Germany
b) Claire & Frederick Mebel, New York, USA
Published in:
b) Westerdijk, P., African metal implements, weapons, tools and regalia, New York 1984, p. 35, ill. 149
Lit.: Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Werner Fischer, Afrikanische Waffen, Passau 1978, p. 121, ill. 212
Continent: Africa

See description