Knife
20th century
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueIron, wood
DimensionsHeight x width: 14 9/16 x 4 3/4 in. (37 x 12 cm)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2547
On View
Not on viewClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing
Collections
Iron knives, swords, and other weapons are more than armaments; they are powerful symbols of prestige and authority. Many weapons are intricately adorned with abstract geometric patterns, figurative elements, western-made objects, and copper accents, all of which are intended to increase the status of the object's owner. In addition to the functional and ceremonial aspects of African weaponry, iron blades were excellent trade items that could function as currency. This luba cult knife is noted for the serpentine form of its blade. Although the blade of this handle is not adorned with a carved human head, many Luba knives and axes are so adorned. The handle of this blade has carved geometric patterns.
Provenance1970s, acquired in Paris by Geneviève 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)
mid 20th century
20th century
early 20th century
