Huge Congo sword For Comment

[Lew]

Hi Guys

I picked this up last week about a 10 on Tims fish and chips scale :D It has a 36" blade and the binding on the hilt seems to be copper. Were these swords used in war or are they just status symbols?


Lew

[Freddy]

hi Lew,

I believe you are hooked into African weapons, no ? An incurable desease !

This is a sabre used by the following tribes living in Congo : Ngbandi, Ngombe, Doko, Mbuja.
It's a real weapon, not a ceremonial piece. Tomorrow, I will post a picture of a similar piece, but with a difference...

[Lew]

hi Lew,


It's a real weapon, not a ceremonial piece. Tomorrow, I will post a picture of a similar piece, but with a difference...

Freddy

Is the sword swung with the inner or outer edge in front?

Lew

[Freddy]

Here is the promised pic.

It comes from the book 'Seltene Afrikanische Waffen' (rare African short weapons) by Manfred A. Zirngibl (1983, p 58).
In his book, he states that this piece only has a decorative or ornamental function.
Length : 67 cm.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/058.jpg

If I'm correct, both edges of your sword are sharpened. These swords were used to hit an opponent who is carrying a big shield. I guess it's used with the inner edge in front. In this way, one can go round the shield to hit the opponent.
Anyway, the other edge can also be used if necessary.