short sword - Tetela/Kusu - DR Congo

• Short rare Tetele/Kusu short sword

• Democratic Republic of Congo

• Total length: 42 cm

• Period: late 19th century

• Materials: wrought iron, wood, copper, tapestry nails

• Weight: 363 g

• Provenance: former Jean-Marc Desaive collection - Belgium; Stanley's Auction House, Brussels, Belgium

— Although rare, yet well known, this type of sword has been little documented. It is often described as an object of prestige or a chiefs’ sword. No further details. Evidently, the level of adornment of the handle and blade makes it a highly prestigious object. Which is the case here.

— The Tetela are a Mongo culture with about 120,000 members who live in central DRC. They have never been organized into a centralized state with a single chief, but are instead divided into numerous independent communities, each composed of several lineages. These groups are governed by hereditary chiefs, the kokolamani, via a prime minister, the nyampara. There are also hunting and war chiefs. And some political chiefs can be women. (Felix, 100 Peoples of Zaire and Their Sculptors).

— Excellent provenance. Slight deficit on the handle which does not diminish the integrity of this superb sword and could easily be restored. It has very fine engravings along the full length of the blade and has already been very lightly cleaned to avoid deterring collectors seeking authentic pieces with a patina of age. A must-have in a collection of African tribal weapons.

— May be sold with its purchase order from Stanley's Auction House at the buyer’s request

— Careful, insured delivery with tracking number.