Ceremonial Knife
Mongo
Description
Subject Matter:
The elaborate design of this knife suggests its use as a symbol of prestige rather than an acutal weapon. Most likely made by the Ekonda, a subgroup of the Mongo peoples who live in what is today the Democratic Republic of the Congo; these skillful metalsmiths made many kinds of tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. Similar knives were used as an insignia of office for the nkumu, the Ekonda political leader. Elaborate knives may also have been used as currency, as iron money was used in bridewealth payments throughout large portions of Central Africa.
References Cited:
Berardi, Marianne. 2004. Standing on ceremony: traditional African arms from the Donna L. and Robert H. Jackson Collection. Cleveland: The Western Reserve Historical Society.
Dewey, William J. 2003. The World Moves, We follow: Celebrating African Art. Knoxville: Frank H. McClung Museum, The University of Tennessee.
Hurst, Norman. 1997. Ngola: The Weapon as Authority, Identity, and Ritual Object in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cambridge, MA: Hurst Gallery.
Physical Description:
Bifurcated blade with multiple curved projections and a wooden handle.
Usage Rights:
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