Lobala short sword - With sheath - DR Congo

Short Lobala Sword and its Sheath
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 37 cm
Materials: wrought iron, wood, antelope skin, copper wire
Period: early 20th century
Provenance: Belgian private collection

This short sword was a symbol of prestige among several tribal groups belonging to the Gbaya family. Most often attributed to the Lobala, it was also the prerogative of several smaller tribes, collectively known as Ngiri, among which were the Mbondzo, the Mondzombo, the Ngbaka and the Mbanza. The blade surface was often textured using a hammer with a specific striking surface, which is the case on our sword. The Mondzombo blacksmiths were mainly fishermen (Elsen, Fatal Beauty, 1992; Elsen, Iron and Pride, 2003; Elsen, Fatal Beauty, 2013; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements

Handle slightly split. See photographs.

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