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View Full Version : Bakatwa from Zimbabwe


Duccio
29th March 2026, 04:26 PM
Hello, I bought this bakatwa at an auction (it's about 78 cm long and you can see it in the first photo). A few days later, while searching online for information on this type of sword, I found one that I think is almost identical, on display at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, England (the second photo, low quality).
This photo is on the museum's website (https://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/index.php/tour-by-region/oceania/africa/arms-and-armour-africa-10/index.html).
Again, they look absolutely identical to me, although mine has a more irregular blade, so my question is: is there anyone on the forum who can give me more specific information? Do you think it's possible that these swords were produced by repeating the same exact model several times, almost "in series"?
Thanks everyone, regards.
Duccio

Tim Simmons
30th March 2026, 02:59 PM
Very nice example. I like the use of iron scale from forging to make contrasting decoration. Seen in many cultures.

Ian
31st March 2026, 05:13 AM
Excellent example. Obviously made for a distinguished individual.