Short sword "bango" - Lobala - DR Congo
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 950 - € 1,050
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Description from the seller
Double sickle-sword "bango" Lobala/Mondzombo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 57 cm
Period: early 20th century (1900-1910)
Provenance: Swedish auction house Crafoord Auktioner - Lund; ex collection Mats Sigelfeldt - 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, notably during initiation rites of 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 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 fashioned and decorated to be beautiful and elegant, and are enhanced with copper and brass” (Blades of Beauty and Death, 1990).
At the bidder’s request, the invoice from Swedish auction house Crafoord Auktioner in Lund may be sent to him.
Careful, insured delivery with tracking number
Double sickle-sword "bango" Lobala/Mondzombo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 57 cm
Period: early 20th century (1900-1910)
Provenance: Swedish auction house Crafoord Auktioner - Lund; ex collection Mats Sigelfeldt - 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, notably during initiation rites of 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 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 fashioned and decorated to be beautiful and elegant, and are enhanced with copper and brass” (Blades of Beauty and Death, 1990).
At the bidder’s request, the invoice from Swedish auction house Crafoord Auktioner in Lund may be sent to him.
Careful, insured delivery with tracking number
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Lobala
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Short sword "bango"
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.
