Central African for ID

[Ian]

Hi Jeff,

Yes, this one is a mambele from the various tribal groups of Zaire/Central African Republic. The picture you posted was hard to see any details, so I photoshopped it so we can see it better. The attached illustrations come from Jan Essen. Tribal Arts Monograph, Vol 1, No 1: The sickle weapons. The second picture lists the various tribal groups in its legend. There has been conjecture whether these were swords or throwing knives. In general, if the weapon had an obvious handle then it is considered a sword/knife/ If it has a bare metal end or perhaps metal wrapped with a leather pouch then it is considered a throwing knife. Some apparently served in both capacities.

As far as age, it's very hard to say from the picture. The sword does seem to have some age, perhaps from 1900 +/-. Interesting carved hilt, possibly ivory but probably bone.

Regards, Ian

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