Accession Number
1998/1.99

Title
Sword

Artist(s)
Sengele

Artist Nationality
Sengele (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
iron and wood

Dimensions
21 5/8 in x 6 7/16 in x 1 3/4 in (54.93 cm x 16.35 cm x 4.45 cm)

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


Subject matter
This is a ceremonial sword. It was not forged for the purposes of warfare. It is a design that has been adopted by several groups in central Africa, including the Nkundu, Zobo, Loki, and Teke. The double arching blades in particular were an influence from a history of trade with the Ngombe and other groups in the northwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Physical Description
The wooden handle of this sword has two sharp projections at its end. The blade is wide and has a double-arched end. 

Primary Object Classification
Metalwork

Primary Object Type
sword

Collection Area
African

Rights
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Keywords
Africa
ceremonial swords
ceremonial weapons
metalwork (visual works)
swords
weaponry