Sickle blade (kondo)
20th century
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueWood and metal
DimensionsHeight x width: 31 1/8 x 9 13/16 in. (79 x 25 cm)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2545
On View
Not on viewClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing
Collections
Large sickle-shaped weapon were a common form in northern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. This variation was most commonly found among people who identify as Mongelima or Boa, but owners who identify as Hanga, Angba, and Mba sometimes bought such weapons, and Benge smiths were also known to make them. This piece is elaborately incised from top to bottom, revealing the smith's skill. This level of detail suggests that the blade was a prestigious accessory more than a functional weapon.
ProvenanceGeneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
