Knife

Accession Number
1998/1.46

Title
Knife

Artist(s)
Mbole

Object Creation Date
19th century

Medium & Support
metal, copper, and wood

Dimensions
24 7/16 in x 6 11/16 in x 1 5/16 in (62 cm x 17 cm x 3.3 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Susan B. and John F. Ullrich

Label copy

Subject matter
This large knife, or perhaps a small sword, with a triangular blade ends in a rounded point. The handle is wrapped with wire, possibly copper. The usage of the knife is unknown though its detailed decoration suggests that it may have functioned primarily as a ceremonial, rather than functional, weapon. 

Physical Description
A knife with a wooden handle wrapped in wire, possibly copper. The handle terminates in a round knob. It has a long triangular blade that flares, narrows, then flares before narrowing to a rounded point.

Primary Object Classification
Arms and Armor

Primary Object Type
knife

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
regalia
symbols of office or status
weaponry
weapons

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted