Accession Number1998/1.128
TitleKnife
Artist(s)Object Creation Date20th centuryMedium & Supportmetal and wood Dimensions 8 11/16 in x 1 3/4 in (22.07 cm x 4.45 cm)
Credit LineGift of Susan B. and John F. Ullrich
Subject matterThe janus-faced handle of this knife is similar to other objects created by Luba and Songye peoples. As many peoples from this region (what is today the Democratic Republic of the Congo) interacted in complex social, economic, and political ways, artistic traditions likely moved between these groups as well. To try and attribute this object to one people may not be possible and in doing so may erase the complex history this object may have.
References Cited:
Berardi, Marianne. 2004.
Standing on ceremony: traditional African arms from the Donna L. and Robert H. Jackson Collection. Cleveland: The Western Reserve Historical Society.
Hurst, Norman. 1997.
Ngola: The Weapon as Authority, Identity, and Ritual Object in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cambridge, MA: Hurst Gallery.
Physical DescriptionA knife with a narrow wooden handle ending in a janus-faced pommel. The slightly curved blade is decorated with a pattern of diagonal lines along one side.
Primary Object Classification Arms and Armor Primary Object TypeknifeCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
ceremonial weapons
cutting tools
hand tools
knife