Asymmetric knife "epalang" - Mbuun/Yanzi - DR Congo
09
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09
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38
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16
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 2,100 - € 2,400
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Description from the seller
Rare discoidal asymmetrical épalang knife Mbuun / Yanzi / Ngul / Hungaan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dimensions: 29 × 16 cm
Period: Late 19th – very early 20th century
Provenance: Hessink’s auction house, Maastricht, Netherlands
Condition: Excellent condition for an épalang of this period. Just a slight chip visible at the end of the handle.
— Description and ethnographic context :
The épalang stands out for its singular design: a discoidal asymmetrical blade, often with wavy and exaggerated shapes, features of the finest known examples. Available research—still limited—indicates these were prestige objects, used during ceremonies or by healers.
Discoidal asymmetrical knives of the épalang type have been collected among the Dzing, Hungaan, Lwer, Mbuun, Ngul, Pindi and Yanzi (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003).
— Features of the specimen :
This knife is very well balanced, with a comfortable weight for its 29 cm. The through‑tang protrudes at the end of the handle, where the wood is not covered with copper wire or iron plates, allowing examination of the wood and appreciation of its age.
The handle presents, as with the oldest specimens, a groove engraved along its entire length, a typical element of authentic épalang.
— The last three photographs show an identical épalang, kept at the British Museum and collected in Congo in 1907 by Hungarian anthropologist Emil Torday. Between 1907 and 1909, Torday led a large mission in the Kasai river basin for the British Museum, gathering more than 3,000 objects, including many masterpieces of the Kuba kingdom.
The British Museum specimen features the same blade shape, with a slightly “cut” tip, forged as is; the same type of handle, covered with hammered iron plates, yellow and red copper wires and an additional hammered iron plate to finish. The same central groove is engraved on our knife, a very rare feature. This comparison reinforces the authenticity of our specimen, most likely dating from the late 19th century.
— Documents: Sold with the original Hessink’s invoice.
— Shipping: Careful, insured delivery, with tracking number.
Rare discoidal asymmetrical épalang knife Mbuun / Yanzi / Ngul / Hungaan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dimensions: 29 × 16 cm
Period: Late 19th – very early 20th century
Provenance: Hessink’s auction house, Maastricht, Netherlands
Condition: Excellent condition for an épalang of this period. Just a slight chip visible at the end of the handle.
— Description and ethnographic context :
The épalang stands out for its singular design: a discoidal asymmetrical blade, often with wavy and exaggerated shapes, features of the finest known examples. Available research—still limited—indicates these were prestige objects, used during ceremonies or by healers.
Discoidal asymmetrical knives of the épalang type have been collected among the Dzing, Hungaan, Lwer, Mbuun, Ngul, Pindi and Yanzi (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003).
— Features of the specimen :
This knife is very well balanced, with a comfortable weight for its 29 cm. The through‑tang protrudes at the end of the handle, where the wood is not covered with copper wire or iron plates, allowing examination of the wood and appreciation of its age.
The handle presents, as with the oldest specimens, a groove engraved along its entire length, a typical element of authentic épalang.
— The last three photographs show an identical épalang, kept at the British Museum and collected in Congo in 1907 by Hungarian anthropologist Emil Torday. Between 1907 and 1909, Torday led a large mission in the Kasai river basin for the British Museum, gathering more than 3,000 objects, including many masterpieces of the Kuba kingdom.
The British Museum specimen features the same blade shape, with a slightly “cut” tip, forged as is; the same type of handle, covered with hammered iron plates, yellow and red copper wires and an additional hammered iron plate to finish. The same central groove is engraved on our knife, a very rare feature. This comparison reinforces the authenticity of our specimen, most likely dating from the late 19th century.
— Documents: Sold with the original Hessink’s invoice.
— Shipping: Careful, insured delivery, with tracking number.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Mbuun/Yanzi
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 19th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Asymmetric knife "epalang"
Height
29 cm
Width
16 cm
Provenance
Auction house
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
