Mangbetu dagger

[Matt Splatt]

Hi everyone, I finally got one of these iconic Mangbetu daggers. I think it's a nice one, just missing one section of cooper wrap at the top of the hilt. One question immediately came to mind when it arrived. Is the zoomorphism intentional? Err... or in plain english, is it supposed to look like a bird? I've read about other african weapons that represent animals but haven't found anything about these. I would appreciate you thoughts.

[Tim Simmons]

Looks nice there are some really nice ones around one day I hope to get one. I am not sure about the bird references, like much early 19th/ 20th century theories about many African weapon forms, often seem made to suit our own western views rather than accept a vibrant skilled and sophisticated art culture.