Swords a la Portuguese ... Part two

[Pieje]

These are indeed what they call “ethnographical Mbele a Lulendo swords”, based on the Portuguese swords introduced at the Bakongo kingdom as early as end of 15th century.
First the original Portuguese swords, than imported European blades (Germany, Italy..), later fully locally made. These had a great symbolic function and were used by chiefs, often buried with them after their death, as those found in Kindoki (Bas-Congo).
Later these were placed next to the tomb of a dead chief, which resulted in the loss of the lower part of the blade. I once owned three of these rare swords, but I only kept one in my collection.

[fernando]

Thank you Pieje,
I see that you confirm the prior introduction to these swords origin.
The two examples you posted are apparently fully localy made. Tell me, which is the one you still have with you ?

[Pieje]

This one with (dark) ivory handle and locally made blade.

[Pieje]

However I suspect the other one to have a European blade?

[fernando]

Part 3 continues HERE