Genya's short sword and its scabbard - DR Congo

• Superb Genya short sword in its sheath

• Ethnic groups: Lokele/So/Mba/Angba/Topoke/Genya

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Total length (in its sheath): 42 cm

• Period: early 20th century

• Weight: 1189 g

• Provenance: former Belgian colonial collection; former private collection, Belgium

— Although resembling a functional knife, this sword was actually a symbol of prestige. Over time, the solid iron block of the pommel enlarged considerably, to the point of making these blades completely unbalanced and, evidently, unusable. Frobenius notes that this type of knife was discovered in the upper Lomami River region, north of the Democratic Republic of Congo, but other examples have been found much further northwest, in the Republic of the Congo.

— Very beautiful Genya sword in a very intricate sheath, with hammered iron plates and repoussé designs. These swords and their heavy counterweights have given rise to many fantastical legends about possible knives of this type, hurled from the top of a tree to "knock out" an enemy or game. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course, and only the iron trade across Central Africa could explain it. The exchanges were such that these swords were very often found beyond the Congolese provinces and the country.

We also find on the market swords without their counterweights which were probably used to forge other swords. This one is complete with its sheath as well, which is quite rare. A beautiful piece for a fine collection of African tribal arms.

— Carefully packaged, insured and with a tracking number.