Hemba dagger

[Freddy]

I found this dagger on ebay, just last week. I wasn't at home at the time the auction ended, so I left a small bid. To my astonishment, I got the piece ! I was the only one who was interested. I don't know why ?

This morning, I went to pick up the dagger as the seller lives not far from my place. I was pleased to see that I bought a very nice African dagger with a janus-headed handle. I think this piece is from the Hemba tribe in Congo.

The handle has some wear, but in all it's a very decorative piece. One side has a female head, the other side is male (judging by the beard).

It has a simple iron blade.

I guess it's some kind of ceremonial dagger.

Total length : 37 cm. The handle measures 17 cm.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding2527.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding2532-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Hembaknife2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding2528.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding2529.jpg

[katana]

Hi Freddy,
I think it is a good item. I followed the auction but forgot to bid :o Still...... I am glad that a fellow formite got it...and at a cheap price

[G. McCormack]

Looks like lovely patina on that piece. Cheers