Knife
1895–1905
- Medium
- Iron, wood, copper alloy, upholstery studs, plant fibers, and rawhide
- Dimensions
- Overall: 57.2 cm (22 1/2 in.); Blade: 41.4 cm (16 5/16 in.)
- Genre
- arms and armor
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Styles
Tags
Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangala-style maker
About
This beautifully wrought knife served as a symbol of political authority among the Ngala. Quite literally it signified the power of life and death for its form was derived from that of an executioner's knife.