Knife - well - Banda/Mbugbu - DR Congo
06
days
01
hour
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17
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Current bid
€ 100
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 850 - € 950
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 | €100 | |
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| €50 |
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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: Swedish auction house; formerly Mats Sigelfeldt collection - Sweden; formerly Luc Lefebvre collection - France
The 19th century, marked by unrest, long migrations, and inter-tribal wars, led to the Banda, once united, dispersing over a vast geographic area, divided into small independent populations speaking around fifty distinct dialects. Likewise, Banda weapons show a great diversity of styles, often radically diverging from traditional aesthetics.
Banda knives were historically reserved for military use (to stop the advance of an enemy force, for example), but their function evolved after the 1920s to include peaceful and spiritual objectives, such as instruments of ritual dance. This metamorphosis is the combined result of the decline of conflicts in the 20th century and the Banda’s lingering emotional attachment to their throwing knives (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).
This type of knife is not common and is highly sought after. Its partially preserved raffia fiber grip demonstrates that this knife is very old. A very handsome throwing knife with excellent provenance for collectors and connoisseurs ...
Can, at the bidder’s request, be sold with the invoice from Crafoord Auktioner - Lund (Sweden) auction house
Careful and insured delivery with tracking number.
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: Swedish auction house; formerly Mats Sigelfeldt collection - Sweden; formerly Luc Lefebvre collection - France
The 19th century, marked by unrest, long migrations, and inter-tribal wars, led to the Banda, once united, dispersing over a vast geographic area, divided into small independent populations speaking around fifty distinct dialects. Likewise, Banda weapons show a great diversity of styles, often radically diverging from traditional aesthetics.
Banda knives were historically reserved for military use (to stop the advance of an enemy force, for example), but their function evolved after the 1920s to include peaceful and spiritual objectives, such as instruments of ritual dance. This metamorphosis is the combined result of the decline of conflicts in the 20th century and the Banda’s lingering emotional attachment to their throwing knives (Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).
This type of knife is not common and is highly sought after. Its partially preserved raffia fiber grip demonstrates that this knife is very old. A very handsome throwing knife with excellent provenance for collectors and connoisseurs ...
Can, at the bidder’s request, be sold with the invoice from Crafoord Auktioner - Lund (Sweden) auction house
Careful and insured delivery with tracking number.
Details
Indigenous object name
well
Ethnic group/ culture
Banda/Mbugbu
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Knife
Height
41 cm
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.
