Accession Number
1998/1.79

Title
Sword

Artist(s)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
metal and wood

Dimensions
21 3/4 in x 2 7/8 in x 1 9/16 in (55.3 cm x 7.3 cm x 4 cm)

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

Label copy

Subject matter
The form of this sword's handle and the shape of the blade suggest it could have been made by Tikar peoples, on the periphery of the Cameroon Grasslands region. As the blade of this sword is dull, it was meant to be used as a prestige object on special occasions. Similar swords are also found among other Grassfields kingdoms, often accompanied by elaborately decorated sheaths. 

References Cited: 
Page, Donna. 2007. A Cameroon World: Art and Artifacts from the Caroline and Marshall Mount Collection. New York: QCC Art Gallery, City University of New York.

Physical Description
Sword with a wooden "X" shaped handle and a metal blade terminating in two points that curve inward. 

Primary Object Classification
Arms and Armor

Primary Object Type
sword

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
prestige
symbols of office or status
weaponry
weapons