Knife "ondo" - Mbugbu/Banda - DR Congo
06
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00
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16
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37
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Current bid
€ 100
Reserve price not met
Expert
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 € 750 - € 850
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Description from the seller
Banda/Mbugbu “ondo” knife
Democratic Republic of the Congo/Central African Republic
Total height: 41 cm
Materials: wrought iron, plant fibers
Period: early 20th century (possibly late 19th century)
Provenance: ex collection Mats Sigelfeldt - Sweden; ex collection Luc Lefebvre - France
The 19th century, marked by unrest, long migrations and inter-tribal wars, led to the Banda, once united, dispersing over a wide geographic area, divided into small independent populations speaking around forty distinct dialects. Likewise, Banda weapons display a great diversity of styles, often radically diverging from traditional aesthetics.
Banda knives were historically reserved for military use (to halt the advance of an enemy force, for example), but their function evolved after the 1920s to include peaceful and spiritual purposes, such as ritual-dance instruments. This metamorphosis is the combined result of the decline of conflicts in the 20th century and the Banda people’s enduring emotional connection to their knives (Westerdijk, 1988).
This type of knife is not common and is highly sought after. The partially present raffia fiber grip demonstrates that the knife is very old. A very beautiful knife with excellent provenance for collectors and connoisseurs...
May, at the bidder’s request, be sold with the invoice from the auction house Crafoord Auktioner - Lund (Sweden)
Banda/Mbugbu “ondo” knife
Democratic Republic of the Congo/Central African Republic
Total height: 41 cm
Materials: wrought iron, plant fibers
Period: early 20th century (possibly late 19th century)
Provenance: ex collection Mats Sigelfeldt - Sweden; ex collection Luc Lefebvre - France
The 19th century, marked by unrest, long migrations and inter-tribal wars, led to the Banda, once united, dispersing over a wide geographic area, divided into small independent populations speaking around forty distinct dialects. Likewise, Banda weapons display a great diversity of styles, often radically diverging from traditional aesthetics.
Banda knives were historically reserved for military use (to halt the advance of an enemy force, for example), but their function evolved after the 1920s to include peaceful and spiritual purposes, such as ritual-dance instruments. This metamorphosis is the combined result of the decline of conflicts in the 20th century and the Banda people’s enduring emotional connection to their knives (Westerdijk, 1988).
This type of knife is not common and is highly sought after. The partially present raffia fiber grip demonstrates that the knife is very old. A very beautiful knife with excellent provenance for collectors and connoisseurs...
May, at the bidder’s request, be sold with the invoice from the auction house Crafoord Auktioner - Lund (Sweden)
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Mbugbu/Banda
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Knife "ondo"
Provenance
Auction house
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
