Short sword "bango" - Lobala/Mondzombo - DR Congo
09
days
08
hours
43
minutes
10
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 1,050 - € 1,200
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Description from the seller
Beautiful and old double execution sword 'bango' Lobala/Mondzombo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 57 cm
Period: early 20th century (1900-10)
Provenance: Swedish auction house Crafoord - Lund; formerly from the Mats Sigelfeldt collection - Sweden
In its abstract human form, the Bango blade displays symmetry and sophistication. Elsen describes this type of blade as a "luxury weapon for notables and chiefs." They were also used for ceremonial purposes, particularly during initiation rites for young men (Gosseau, Tribal Arms Monographs, vol. 1, no. 2, 1997).
Describing a different but closely related blade, Blackmun succinctly summarizes its usefulness: "Despite the sharp and cutting edges on the outside of the two curved blades, the beautiful swords of this type were primarily designed as symbols of rank. They were worn by men of authority on public occasions. Like the Ngombe sacrificial swords, they are shaped and decorated for beauty and elegance, and enhanced with copper and brass" (Beauty and Death Blades, 1990).
At the request of the bidder, this Lobala sword may be delivered with the invoice from the Swedish auction house Crafoord Auktioner in Lund.
Delivery guaranteed - Bpost.
Beautiful and old double execution sword 'bango' Lobala/Mondzombo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 57 cm
Period: early 20th century (1900-10)
Provenance: Swedish auction house Crafoord - Lund; formerly from the Mats Sigelfeldt collection - Sweden
In its abstract human form, the Bango blade displays symmetry and sophistication. Elsen describes this type of blade as a "luxury weapon for notables and chiefs." They were also used for ceremonial purposes, particularly during initiation rites for young men (Gosseau, Tribal Arms Monographs, vol. 1, no. 2, 1997).
Describing a different but closely related blade, Blackmun succinctly summarizes its usefulness: "Despite the sharp and cutting edges on the outside of the two curved blades, the beautiful swords of this type were primarily designed as symbols of rank. They were worn by men of authority on public occasions. Like the Ngombe sacrificial swords, they are shaped and decorated for beauty and elegance, and enhanced with copper and brass" (Beauty and Death Blades, 1990).
At the request of the bidder, this Lobala sword may be delivered with the invoice from the Swedish auction house Crafoord Auktioner in Lund.
Delivery guaranteed - Bpost.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Lobala/Mondzombo
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Short sword "bango"
Height
57 cm
Provenance
Auction house
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
