Benin Knife

Tim Simmons · 7th January 2009, 09:38 PM

I do not think this is from Benin. To me it looks more like from further south to the present day Nigeria/Cameroon. There are many bronze and brass bladed weapons from Africa. What bothers me is all mine have clean blades. The patina on this is extreamly strong, also covering the blade which does make me wonder that somebody has worked very hard here.
Here is some metal work from the same regions. I am not an expert but I would not spend too much money on this. It is just so heavy patinated and the symbolisim is not terribly clear. Fon artifacts are often made to look arcane but this is not Fon. The artifacts in the first two pics I show, I know they were collected at the begining of the turn of the 19/20th century I bought most of the collection. Why they are so patinated is hard to say. I have not read of of the need to express antiquity in the artifacts of this region. Perhaps they have been in the ground. I think there is some difference it the green stain. I could be wrong.

katana · 7th January 2009, 10:09 PM

I have also seen this type of knife ...usually described as from Cameroon. I too would be wary of the patination. Many of these appeal to African Art collectors and dealers ......... there is a cottage industry supplying the demand. I think, only 'a hands on' examination would help to sort 'those made to sell' and the authentic.

Regards David

Bill M · 8th January 2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I would not spend too much money on this. It is just so heavy patinated and the symbolism is not terribly clear.

Looks made for "western eyes." Detail is not clean as would be the case in authentic older pieces from that area. In most African cultures the earlier pieces are much finer made than newer. Most westerners seem to think the opposite would be true.

See, "African Art in Transit."

http://books.google.com/books?id=g8o...result#PPP1,M1

and

http://shopping.msn.com/reviews/afri...art-in-transit

Rod Charters · 8th January 2009, 04:11 PM

Thanks for all the feedback and most useful. I was particularly concerned at the quality of the blade and somehow this just did not tally with the rest of the knife. And now I understand that the quality is poorer than what it should be. I will see what price is being asked and decide whether or not to buy but if I do buy I'll assume its a more recent piece. Once again thanks for the feedback.

Freddy · 9th January 2009, 04:23 PM

I believe so far no one has mentioned the tribe.

In the book 'De fer et de fiérté' is a similar example (but the sheath is more plain) on page 67.

This type of knife/sword comes from the Véré-tribe living on the northeastern border of Nigeria and Cameroon.

7th January 2009, 09:38 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	I do not think this is from Benin. To me it looks more like from further south to the present day Nigeria/Cameroon. There are many bronze and brass bladed weapons from Africa. What bothers me is all mine have clean blades. The patina on this is extreamly strong, also covering the blade which does make me wonder that somebody has worked very hard here. Here is some metal work from the same regions. I am not an expert but I would not spend too much money on this. It is just so heavy patinated and the symbolisim is not terribly clear. Fon artifacts are often made to look arcane but this is not Fon. The artifacts in the first two pics I show, I know they were collected at the begining of the turn of the 19/20th century I bought most of the collection. Why they are so patinated is hard to say. I have not read of of the need to express antiquity in the artifacts of this region. Perhaps they have been in the ground. I think there is some difference it the green stain. I could be wrong. Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 7th January 2009 at 10:03 PM.

7th January 2009, 10:09 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	I have also seen this type of knife ...usually described as from Cameroon. I too would be wary of the patination. Many of these appeal to African Art collectors and dealers ......... there is a cottage industry supplying the demand. I think, only 'a hands on' examination would help to sort 'those made to sell' and the authentic. Regards David

8th January 2009, 04:11 PM	#4
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Thanks for all the feedback and most useful. I was particularly concerned at the quality of the blade and somehow this just did not tally with the rest of the knife. And now I understand that the quality is poorer than what it should be. I will see what price is being asked and decide whether or not to buy but if I do buy I'll assume its a more recent piece. Once again thanks for the feedback.

9th January 2009, 04:23 PM	#5
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I believe so far no one has mentioned the tribe. In the book 'De fer et de fiérté' is a similar example (but the sheath is more plain) on page 67. This type of knife/sword comes from the Véré-tribe living on the northeastern border of Nigeria and Cameroon.