Knife with wooden scabbard
Songye
Description
Subject Matter:
In Central Africa, metal swords were used as weapons of warfare and at other times as ceremonial items. The specific function of this sword is unknown. However, the point on the end of the hilt suggests that it was worn as part of a ceremonial costume.
Physical Description:
The sword has an elongated, leaf-shaped blade. The handle is embellished with tacks and a small cone on the end.
The wooden scabbard or sheath is wide and tapers at the bottom before widening again at the base. Twine is wrapped around three sections of the sheath and a fourth section has markings of having once been wrapped in twine.
Usage Rights:
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