African Throwing Knife – MBUM – Nigeria
End 19th, early 20th century. Iron. Cm. 55,3 high (21.77″); weight: grams 742,0 (26.18 oz.). For similar examples and more informations see “The Perfect Form”, by Roberto Ballarini page 184. m21
Old Kuba Prestige Knife – Ikula – Copper Blade – DR Congo
Early to mid 20th century. Copper, wood. Cm. 43,8 high (17.24″); weight: grams 246,9 (8.71 oz.). A knife of the Kuba (Ikula) with a hand beaten copper blade. The wooden handle is exquisitely decorated by inlaying thousands of wire bits into the wood and has a nice patina from tribal use. These knives were reserved...
Old Large Ceremonial Sword – Lia / Nkundu / Konda – DR Congo
Early to mid 20th century. Iron, wood. cm. 45,3 high (17.83"). Prestige knife like this, dating from the colonial period, have sometimes been used in major barter transactions. See tribal Arms monographs Volume 2 “Performing Knives and derivatives” of Christian Gosseau, Brussels 1997 Figs 87-88. m16
Antique African Knife – Mongo / Saka – DR Congo
Early 20th century. Iron, copper. Cm. 54,5 high (21.46″); weight: grams 395,7 (13.96 oz.). The Mongo people are a Bantu ethnic group who live in the equatorial forest of Central Africa. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highly influential in its north region. The Mongo people, despite...
Old Ceremonial Staffs – Lia / Nkundu / Konda – DR Congo
Mid 20th century. Iron, wood. Cm. 50,0 and cm. 46,0 high. Prestige staffs like these, dating from the colonial period, have sometimes been used in major barter transactions. See tribal Arms monographs Volume 2 “Performing Knives and derivatives” of Christian Gosseau, Brussels 1997 Figs 87-88. m21
Old Large Throwing Knife – Shongo / Kipinga – Zande Tribe, DR Congo
Early 20th century. Iron, brass. Cm. 57,5 high (22.64″); weight: grams 1186,0 (41.83 oz.). The Azande (plural of "Zande") are an ethnic group of North Central Africa. The word Azande means "the people who possess much land", and refers to their history as conquering warriors. They live primarily in the northeastern...
Antique Shield – AMHARA – SIDAMO – Ethiopia – Excellent conditions
End 19th century, early 20th century. Engraved buffalo or elephant skin. Diameter cm. 42,0 (16.46") ; Depth cm. 15,0 (5.91"). Former italian private collection (Grassi family, Sarzana, Toscana, Italy). The region Amhara is extends over the ancient provinces of Bégemder, Godjam and includes a part of the ancient province of Wollo. The Amhara...
Old Masai (Maasai) Shield – ELONGO – Kenya
Early to mid 20th century. Buffalo hide, pigment, goat sinew, wood handle and frame. Cm. 88,0 high x cm 47,5 width (34.65" x 18,70"). Excellent general conditions. The Masai were known for their bravery and being superior warriors. A headdress, spear and shield are essential art forms carried and worn by a Massai...
Old Turkana Fighting Finger Knife – Ngigolio – Kenya
Mid 20th century. Hand wrought iron. Cm. 6,1 high x cm. 2,3 width (2.40″ x 0.91″); grams 9,6 (0.34 oz.). “The Turkana are the finest fighting men in East Africa”, so, without so many preambles, Mr. Crampton defined his subjects when he was appointed a politacal officer in Turkanaland. He is...
Antique Shield – AMHARA – TAFA GASHA – Ethiopia – Excellent conditions
Early 20th century. Diameter cm. 48,0 (18.90"). A conic shape shield of buffalo leather, of the type of the Ethiopian highlands. With relieved margin, covered with dark brown velvet on the front (velvet comes from Persia) and richly decorated with ornamented brass elements: an arched shield boss, as well as 4 hemispheres,...