short sword - Topoke/Lokele - DR Congo
02
days
20
hours
37
minutes
32
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 1,100 - € 1,300
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Description from the seller
Knife - Lokele/Topoke currency
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 43 cm
Width: 9 cm
Provenance: Karl Stålgärde (Sweden), Karlsson & Wickman Gallery (Sweden), Belgian collection
Materials: Wrought iron (very heavy), wood
Sold with the magnetic base visible in the photographs.
This knife, with its superb engravings, should be regarded more as currency than as a weapon. Indeed. In the 19th century, the large amount of metal (iron) contained in the knife's pommel was still used for exchanges between ethnic groups of the former Oriental Province of the Belgian Congo (ex).
The large quantity of iron contained in its pommel has given rise to many foolish remarks. In particular about these famous knives that were supposedly thrown from the top of a tree to bludgeon an enemy. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course.
This piece was collected between 1900 and 1910 by a Swedish man named Karl Stålgärde (penultimate photograph), who joined the public force of the former Belgian Congo and took this superb souvenir with him to pass on to his family. The last photograph shows the “diploma” of his crossing of the Equator, which was a rite of passage for people traveling to Africa for the first time.
A very heavy knife and, logically, unbalanced, used mainly as a medium of exchange throughout the Upper Congo in the 19th century. A superb collectible piece.
Sold with the Karlsson&Wickman Gallery certificate of authenticity.
Delivery guaranteed (Bpost)
Knife - Lokele/Topoke currency
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 43 cm
Width: 9 cm
Provenance: Karl Stålgärde (Sweden), Karlsson & Wickman Gallery (Sweden), Belgian collection
Materials: Wrought iron (very heavy), wood
Sold with the magnetic base visible in the photographs.
This knife, with its superb engravings, should be regarded more as currency than as a weapon. Indeed. In the 19th century, the large amount of metal (iron) contained in the knife's pommel was still used for exchanges between ethnic groups of the former Oriental Province of the Belgian Congo (ex).
The large quantity of iron contained in its pommel has given rise to many foolish remarks. In particular about these famous knives that were supposedly thrown from the top of a tree to bludgeon an enemy. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course.
This piece was collected between 1900 and 1910 by a Swedish man named Karl Stålgärde (penultimate photograph), who joined the public force of the former Belgian Congo and took this superb souvenir with him to pass on to his family. The last photograph shows the “diploma” of his crossing of the Equator, which was a rite of passage for people traveling to Africa for the first time.
A very heavy knife and, logically, unbalanced, used mainly as a medium of exchange throughout the Upper Congo in the 19th century. A superb collectible piece.
Sold with the Karlsson&Wickman Gallery certificate of authenticity.
Delivery guaranteed (Bpost)
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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.
