Weapon, Tool ? Africa
 

hello together
that is the current fund!
Only I have no idea what that might be, weapon, tool?
many thanks for the help.
gruss Chregu

My guess is that it is from somewhere NE Congo and a sceptre/parade or dance knife. The wear at the pommel end is very interesting. Almost looks like banging or rubbing wear. This is just pure speculation but perhaps like other divination tools that are rubbed ie drawn across a divination board by consultee and diviner, this too might some sort of divination knife. I like it. Luc might make more sense of it.

There does seem to be a patina to the pommel end? You can see what I mean about rubbing when looking at this Sudan pestle. There will always be a bias, I would think on the side of the diviner. As in all related ideas they make them up and are in control.

I think it's Ntomba, Sengele : Mongo people.
Ceremonial (ritual with manioc ?) to be verified...

Interesting piece Chregu.

Anyone got any ideas as to the fine serrated edges (noticeable on both examples shown)

Regards David


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If it's for manioc, I'd bet it's either a peeler or based on a peeler. You have to peel and/or shred the manioc root as part of the processing.

F

Google Manioc peeling knife? any measurements for this knife? It looks a little clumsy for the job?

You can always use a bigger knife. It is interesting the knife chergu posts is really quite elaborate with it's long fancy handle and one has to be aware of how valuable brass was in the African past especially in the Congo. This lady is cutting more than peeling rather elegantly too.