Konda ikakalaka sword, Democratic Republic of Congo - Lot 139

Lot n° 139
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Estimation :
200 - 300 EUR
Konda ikakalaka sword, Democratic Republic of Congo - Lot 139
Konda ikakalaka sword, Democratic Republic of Congo Metal, iron, upholsterer's nails H. 48 cm The distinctive feature of this sword is its straight, double-edged blade, the spatulate end of which flares out into a crescent shape. The second feature is the absence of a guard, the protective element usually attached above the hilt, indicating that this sword was held by the small hourglass-shaped hilt - reinforced with copper wire and decorated with upholsterer's nails - in one hand, while the other hand held a shield. This singularity testifies to the great agility of Konda warriors, who mastered the art of combat with dexterity. Like many weapons in sub-Saharan Africa, the ikakalaka sword abandoned its primary use in colonial times to take on ritual, ceremonial, judicial and commercial functions.
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