Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mongo peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A pair of ceremonial knives, or short swords, known as Konda (also Ikakalaka), each featuring a broad iron blade adorned with chiseled lines and a sturdy wooden handle topped with a rounded knob. The handles are embellished with brass wires and tacks. The sheaths, crafted from single pieces of wood, have a central hollow slit for the blades and a raised section with a hole for threading onto a strap or belt - one of which still retains an attached goatskin strap. Like the handles, the front of the sheaths is decorated with brass rivets, and hammered copper and brass sheets are nailed to the corners. Though they could function as weapons, Konda were primarily ceremonial, worn by elite men and chiefs at court as symbols of masculine power. Size in sheath: 18" L x 5.5" W (45.7 cm x 14 cm); blade only: 13.5" L x 3" W (34.3 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#189415

  • Condition: Chips and nicks to edges of blade and dark patina to one, and the other had heavy red oxidation. Stable pressure fissures in the wood handles and sheaths. Leather strap is very stiff with age. Mineral deposits and patina throughout the brass rivets on the sheaths and handles. Missing some rivets and the copper / brass sheets have some protruding sharp edges, handle with care.

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November 9, 2024 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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