Chokwe weapons

[drac2k]

Continuing with the African motif is what I believe to be a Chokwe-Lunda sword. the handle is badly damaged & at one time it probably had brass tacks.
The sword blade in my personal opinion is very well done and pleasing as are the arrows; I think the metal workmanship is on par with Mogul or Indian arrowheads.

[Mefidk]

Congratulations on your new pieces :)
That sword blade looks to be rather more substantial than most. I am not doubting you, but why do you think Chokwe? This shape of blade seems to be used quite widely in central DRC, and looking at the remains of the hilt I would have guessed first at Bena Lulua (with a wide margin for error).
Maybe you can post bigger pictures and someone might be able to add more.

[drac2k]

Thanks. There were a couple of close calls on the sword, but I looked it up on a popular site here that Sajen first introduced me to(www.africanarms.com), and it looked like the closest match.
I will post better pictures.

[drac2k]

Pictures as promised. The sword blade is 21" x 2" wide.

[Mefidk]

The better pictures are a big help. Now I can see the remnants of the copper wire decoration on the hilt and pattern on the blade. Both suggest Yaka/Chokwe to me. Blade shape and size is consistent too. These usually have a leather covered hilt, often held in place by many brass studs. There are a couple of pictures on the site you linked to. Yaka are geographically close to Chokwe, and there is some cross over in weapons shapes and decoration.
Very nice blade, I agree.

[drac2k]

Thanks.