Genya's short sword and its scabbard - DR Congo

• Magnificent Genya short sword in its sheath

• Ethnicities: Lokele/So/Mba/Angba/Topoke/Genya

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Total length (sword and 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 expanded considerably, to the point of making these knives completely unbalanced and, evidently, unusable. Frobenius notes that this type of knife was found in the region of the upper Lomami River, north of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but other specimens have been found much further northwest, in the Republic of Congo.

— Very beautiful Genya sword in a very complex scabbard, with its hammered iron plates and repoussé designs. These swords and their heavy counterweights have given rise to many abracadabra 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 trade in iron across central Africa could explain it. The exchanges were such that these swords are 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 scabbard, which is quite rare. A fine piece for a fine collection of African tribal arms.

— Careful, insured delivery with tracking number. (Bpost)