NGBAKA/MABO jet knife - DR Congo

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€ 1
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Dimitri André
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Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 430 - € 480
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This forged iron and wood knife from the Ngbaka/Mabo people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the mid nineteenth century with private collection provenance, offers a tangible link to its maker and culture.

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Description from the seller

Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Name of the tribe: NGBAKA/MABO
- Material: Wrought iron - Wood
- Dimensions (in mm): 452x30x237
Weight (in grams): 339
Shipping method: Colissimo

This wrought iron object was cleaned by me through electrolysis.
Regarding the wrought iron produced by African ethnic groups, it is good to know that during the metal casting process, the heat was not uniform and did not reach a sufficient melting point to homogenize the entire piece. This resulted in the 'sparkling effect' that can be found on all African wrought iron objects. In the photos, and when enlarged to the maximum, you will notice this effect.
Furthermore, it is important to distinguish between a cut sheet of metal and wrought iron 'hammered' by a blacksmith. By delicately pinching the metal and moving along its entire length, you will feel slight bumps, which confirm that it has been genuinely forged by hand.

Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Name of the tribe: NGBAKA/MABO
- Material: Wrought iron - Wood
- Dimensions (in mm): 452x30x237
Weight (in grams): 339
Shipping method: Colissimo

This wrought iron object was cleaned by me through electrolysis.
Regarding the wrought iron produced by African ethnic groups, it is good to know that during the metal casting process, the heat was not uniform and did not reach a sufficient melting point to homogenize the entire piece. This resulted in the 'sparkling effect' that can be found on all African wrought iron objects. In the photos, and when enlarged to the maximum, you will notice this effect.
Furthermore, it is important to distinguish between a cut sheet of metal and wrought iron 'hammered' by a blacksmith. By delicately pinching the metal and moving along its entire length, you will feel slight bumps, which confirm that it has been genuinely forged by hand.

Details

No. of items
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 19th century
Material
Iron (wrought), Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
NGBAKA/MABO jet knife
Height
45.2 cm
Width
23.7 cm
Depth
3 cm
Weight
339 g
Provenance
Private collection
FranceVerified
171
Objects sold
100%
Private

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