Ngombe, Ngbandi, Ngbaka, Ngala, Doko, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A ceremonial and prestige sword, also called ‘execution sword’, from the upper reaches of the Congo River.
Ngombe, Ngbandi, Ngbaka, Ngala, Doko, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A ceremonial and prestige sword, also called ‘execution sword’, from the upper reaches of the Congo River.
A large prestige sword, double-edged towards the tip, called ‘Ngulu’. This sword type is used by several tribes near the upper reaches of the Congo River. According to travel journals, swords such as the present one were formerly also used for executions (decapitations). Hence the term ‘execution sword’.
The present ‘Ngulu sword’ has the characteristically shaped iron blade of this type. The blade is embellished with finely hallmarked and engraved décor, and features four forged projections and a curved protruding end. The hilt consists of wood, dyed black, wrapped in iron, two pommels in the shape of a double cone and a smaller one at the end.
A piece with old traces of usage, but in good condition. No damage.
Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century; L: 76 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian Private Collection.
Lit.: 'Beaute Fatale. Armes d'Afrique Centrale' by J.-M. Duvosquel, J. Deraeve & Jan Elsen, fig. 148, 152, 155a; 'Afrikanische Waffen' by W. Fischer & M. A. Zirngibl, fig. 191, 192, 193.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
26.05.2015 - 15:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 600.- to EUR 800.-
Ngombe, Ngbandi, Ngbaka, Ngala, Doko, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A ceremonial and prestige sword, also called ‘execution sword’, from the upper reaches of the Congo River.
A large prestige sword, double-edged towards the tip, called ‘Ngulu’. This sword type is used by several tribes near the upper reaches of the Congo River. According to travel journals, swords such as the present one were formerly also used for executions (decapitations). Hence the term ‘execution sword’.
The present ‘Ngulu sword’ has the characteristically shaped iron blade of this type. The blade is embellished with finely hallmarked and engraved décor, and features four forged projections and a curved protruding end. The hilt consists of wood, dyed black, wrapped in iron, two pommels in the shape of a double cone and a smaller one at the end.
A piece with old traces of usage, but in good condition. No damage.
Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century; L: 76 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian Private Collection.
Lit.: 'Beaute Fatale. Armes d'Afrique Centrale' by J.-M. Duvosquel, J. Deraeve & Jan Elsen, fig. 148, 152, 155a; 'Afrikanische Waffen' by W. Fischer & M. A. Zirngibl, fig. 191, 192, 193.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 26.05.2015 - 15:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 20.05. - 26.05.2015 |