We were lucky to purchase a considerable part of a big private collection of African edged weapon, from central Africa. According to old labels on few of the items, it was collected mostly in the early 1980’s. Here is a photo of the collection as found:
The collection includes many average items, but few outstanding ceremonial swords and Songye axes. The most interesting items of the collection are with the copper and /or brass made blades.
In contrary to European cultures, were good steel was best regarded for weapons, in many central African cultures, copper is highly regarded, more the steel. Copper ( or less frequently found - brass) blades were reserved for the royalty clans and other high ranking persons of the community. These blades are very well forged, maintains good edge and beautifully decorated. Just as an example, a whole copper dagger, probably of the
Yakoma tribe from central Zaire, early 20 C. A very elegant piece.
There are few more copper / brass made blades in the collection. We will post it later, once we sort it out and identify it. Comments are most welcome.