Congo sword ID help

Mefidk · 27th April 2021, 06:08 PM

Thanks Colin. Yes Congo and surrounds seems very interesting both ethnographically, artistically, and weapon-wise. Its a steep mountain to climb at first, not least due to the variants of tribal names, sub-groups, general mixing and cross-influences. So I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that e.g. Kuba and Bushongo are often used to describe Kuba but are a subgroup, as well as the different spellings of the same tribe name dependent on whether you are French, German or English speaking. All adds to the challenge and fun of sorting out what is what (at least at first).

Bena Lulua was my favorite guess based on what I could see of similar shaped swords around them (at least south/east) and Kuba influence - now waiting to hear that I got it all wrong and is somewhere else entirely

Marc M. · 27th April 2021, 06:36 PM

Hi Chris
The handle is Kuba, i'm not shure about the blade.
Blades often travel great distances as steel/ iron was very valuable.
Often traded without a handle, the new owner puts on a handle according to his tribal traditions.
My guess is Bena lulua, tschokwe or yaka, i'm not an expert just a humble collector.
Best regards
Marc

27th April 2021, 06:08 PM	#1
Mefidk Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Denmark Posts: 157	Thanks Colin. Yes Congo and surrounds seems very interesting both ethnographically, artistically, and weapon-wise. Its a steep mountain to climb at first, not least due to the variants of tribal names, sub-groups, general mixing and cross-influences. So I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that e.g. Kuba and Bushongo are often used to describe Kuba but are a subgroup, as well as the different spellings of the same tribe name dependent on whether you are French, German or English speaking. All adds to the challenge and fun of sorting out what is what (at least at first). Bena Lulua was my favorite guess based on what I could see of similar shaped swords around them (at least south/east) and Kuba influence - now waiting to hear that I got it all wrong and is somewhere else entirely

27th April 2021, 06:36 PM	#2
Marc M. Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Belgium Posts: 256	Hi Chris The handle is Kuba, i'm not shure about the blade. Blades often travel great distances as steel/ iron was very valuable. Often traded without a handle, the new owner puts on a handle according to his tribal traditions. My guess is Bena lulua, tschokwe or yaka, i'm not an expert just a humble collector. Best regards Marc