Double-bladed ceremonial sword (ngulu)
mid 20th century
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueIron, wood
DimensionsOverall: 69.9 cm (27 1/2 in.)
Lender Accessory: 55.2 x 11.4 x 11.4 cm (21 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.)
Lender Accessory: 55.2 x 11.4 x 11.4 cm (21 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.)
Credit LineAnonymous gift
Accession number2006.2040
On View
On viewClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing
Collections
Despite the sharp cutting edges on the outside of the two arching blades, beautiful swords of this double-ngulu type (also known as bango or bwagogambanza) were designed primarily as emblems of rank that were carried by men of authority on public occasions.
ProvenanceBetween January 1992 and December 1993, sold by Amyas Naegle, New York, to anonymous donors; 2006, anonymous year-end gift to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 24, 2007)
20th century
early 20th century
mid-20th century
mid-20th century
early 20th century
mid-20th century