Knife - kpinga - Azande - DR Congo

• Superb Azande knife

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Total height: 44.5 cm

• Materials: wrought iron, plant fibers

• Period: early 20th century

• Provenance: André Vanhecke - Brugge (The African Connexion)

— This type of knife, one of the most recognizable African forms, comes from the high savannas and dense forests that spread on either side of the border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Used by the Zande, Avungara, Barambo and other related groups, this knife called the "kpinga" was an essential tool for the expansion and protection of Zande territory in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th century, kpinga remained elite weapons worn by royal bodyguards and courtiers, and were often reserved for unmarried men. Symbols of ethnic pride and tribal authority, they were not used for hunting.

— Very ornate pieces like this, finely incised from head to toe, were reserved for display as symbols of great prestige (Berardi, Standing on Ceremony, 2004; Felix, Kipinga, 1991).

— Beautiful Azande knife, cleaned on one side and left with its patina of age on the other. Behind: a photograph of a Zande warrior in a throwing-knife pose with his superb shield.

— Careful and insured delivery with tracking number.