Short sword - Democratic Republic of the Congo
01
day
16
hours
59
minutes
30
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Current bid
€ 10
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €10 |
|---|
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Description from the seller
Rare Tetela prestige knife / short sword – Congo, around 1900 – top condition (38 cm)
For sale is a fascinating and exceptionally well-preserved piece of African smithing art:
A traditional prestige knife (short sword) of the Tetela people from the Congo Basin, dated to the late 19th or early 20th century.
This object is not a modern souvenir, but an authentic historical collector's piece with excellent, classic proportions.
The highlights for collectors:
Classic dimensions & proportions:
The overall length is exactly 38 cm. The sturdy, double-edged blade in the characteristic spearpoint shape measures 24 cm.
The blade-to-handle ratio exactly matches the historical originals of the peak period.
Excellent preservation: The blade sits absolutely firm and without wobble in the handle – a rarity for pieces of this age.
The iron blade shows a beautiful, honest patina of age and is remarkably sharp.
Traditional craftsmanship: The wooden grip is firm and very even, wrapped with flat-twisted metal bands (copper/brass), which gives the knife its typically noble appearance and underscored the status of the former owner.
Technical data at a glance:
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ethnicity: Tetela / Kusu) Age: around 1890 – 1910
Overall length: 38 cm Blade length: 24 cm Condition: blade firm, sharp, with original patina.
Grip wrap fully intact.
A representative and honest piece of Tribal Art that perfectly complements any collection of African weapons or ethnographic artifacts.
Private sale.
Rare Tetela prestige knife / short sword – Congo, around 1900 – top condition (38 cm)
For sale is a fascinating and exceptionally well-preserved piece of African smithing art:
A traditional prestige knife (short sword) of the Tetela people from the Congo Basin, dated to the late 19th or early 20th century.
This object is not a modern souvenir, but an authentic historical collector's piece with excellent, classic proportions.
The highlights for collectors:
Classic dimensions & proportions:
The overall length is exactly 38 cm. The sturdy, double-edged blade in the characteristic spearpoint shape measures 24 cm.
The blade-to-handle ratio exactly matches the historical originals of the peak period.
Excellent preservation: The blade sits absolutely firm and without wobble in the handle – a rarity for pieces of this age.
The iron blade shows a beautiful, honest patina of age and is remarkably sharp.
Traditional craftsmanship: The wooden grip is firm and very even, wrapped with flat-twisted metal bands (copper/brass), which gives the knife its typically noble appearance and underscored the status of the former owner.
Technical data at a glance:
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ethnicity: Tetela / Kusu) Age: around 1890 – 1910
Overall length: 38 cm Blade length: 24 cm Condition: blade firm, sharp, with original patina.
Grip wrap fully intact.
A representative and honest piece of Tribal Art that perfectly complements any collection of African weapons or ethnographic artifacts.
Private sale.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Country of origin
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Material
Wrought iron / steel
Condition
Very good
Height
38 cm
Width
8.8 cm
Depth
3.7 cm
Overall Length
38 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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.
