knife sickle - Trumbash - Mangbetu - DR Congo

• Knife sickle "trumbash"

• Ethnicity: Mangbetu

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Total length: 39.7 cm

• Materials: forged iron, wood, twisted copper wire, upholstery nails

• Period: late 19th / early 20th century

• Weight: 495 g

• Provenance: former collection Sven-Erik Johansson, Varberg, Sweden; Swedish auction house

— Due to the strong and widespread cultural influence that the Mangbetu exerted on their neighboring populations, this type of weapon was widely spread and was known under many names in addition to nagata. Notably: mambele, nagala, nambele, dupa and of course trumbash. Historically, Nagata blades were used in clashes between the Mangbetu and the Zande, but in the 20th century they were mainly used for peaceful purposes and brandished during ceremonial dances. They were also used as symbols of dignity and offered as diplomatic gifts. Their detailing and refined finishes gave their wearers a certain distinction and contributed to its reputation and wealth (Schildkrout & Keim, African Reflections: Art From Northeastern Zaire, 1990; Vanderstraete, Monnaies Objets d'Échange, 2016).

— Superb Mangbetu trumbash decorated with upholstery nails and twisted yellow copper wire on the handle with a very beautiful patina of use.
The last two photographs show a drawing of King Mbunza with his offset sickle knife "Nagata" and three Mangbetu dignitaries posing with their knives.

— Sold with the invoice from the auction house Crafoord Auktioner - Lund
(document PDF)

— Careful and insured shipping with tracking number. (Bpost)