Short sword
mid-20th century
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueMetal
DimensionsOverall: 49.5 cm (19 1/2 in.)
Credit LineAnonymous gift
Accession number2006.2041
On View
On viewClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing
Collections
This short sword with its formidable blade was used as a chief's insignia among the Luba, Nkutshu, Binji, and Lulua. A Luba blacksmith likely prodcued this iron blade, the symmetrical curved lines in relief demonstrating his mastery of the form. Forged from local iron, this is considered the classic Luba style of prestige sword.
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)
mid-20th century
mid-20th century
mid-20th century
mid-20th century
mid-20th century
mid 20th century
mid-20th century
