A little help is welcome.

Freddy · 12th January 2005, 07:20 PM

Some time ago, I found this sword in an antique shop in my home town. Although there were several African weapons in this shop, this one immediately struck my eye. It looked real 'rustic'.
It was also of a design, I had never seen before.

I did some research and contacted other African arms collectors, but the true origin of this piece remained a bit uncertain.

My first thought was Cameroon. Reason for this was the leather covered handle on the sword. I have a sword attributed to the Bali-tribe in Cameroon which has its handle also covered in leather, but the design of the sword and its handle is quite different.

Here are the measurements of the piece :

Total length : 43 cm
Length of blade : 32 cm
Width of blade : 6,5 cm (near the handle)

If anyone else on the forum has a better idea, please share it. I hate it when I can't determine a piece !

Battara · 12th January 2005, 08:29 PM

Although I am not well versed in African arms (or legs for that matter

) it does look kinda Kuba to my eye, reminding me of a Kuba knife. There are others who can tell you more accurately than I here. Fella's?

Freddy · 12th January 2005, 08:38 PM

I don't think it's Kuba. They don't use leather handles on their swords and knives. The shape of the blade is also different. The blades are often decorated with engravings, but these are more geometrical.

Here's a (copper) Kuba knife of typical design :

Flavio · 12th January 2005, 11:23 PM

Hi Freddy, this knife/short sword it's particular but very beautiful.
I don't know with precision the provenience, but seems to me that remember some Tikar sword (Cameroon) in the "decoration" of the blade as you can see in some examples on Fischer/Zirngibl's Afrikanische Waffen.
To the contrary the general shape it's similar to the Baule sword (a part the tip of the blade).

Andrew · 13th January 2005, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Although I am not well versed in African arms (or legs for that matter

)

*Groan*

Freddy · 13th January 2005, 08:53 PM

Just to show all 'African weapons lovers' this nice Belgian website.µ

http://www.mambele.be/

tom hyle · 14th January 2005, 03:15 PM

Wow. Thanks.

Tim Simmons · 15th January 2005, 02:25 PM

Preparing my pictures.Tim

12th January 2005, 07:20 PM	#1
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	A little help is welcome. Some time ago, I found this sword in an antique shop in my home town. Although there were several African weapons in this shop, this one immediately struck my eye. It looked real 'rustic'. It was also of a design, I had never seen before. I did some research and contacted other African arms collectors, but the true origin of this piece remained a bit uncertain. My first thought was Cameroon. Reason for this was the leather covered handle on the sword. I have a sword attributed to the Bali-tribe in Cameroon which has its handle also covered in leather, but the design of the sword and its handle is quite different. Here are the measurements of the piece : Total length : 43 cm Length of blade : 32 cm Width of blade : 6,5 cm (near the handle) If anyone else on the forum has a better idea, please share it. I hate it when I can't determine a piece !

12th January 2005, 11:23 PM	#4
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Hi Freddy, this knife/short sword it's particular but very beautiful. I don't know with precision the provenience, but seems to me that remember some Tikar sword (Cameroon) in the "decoration" of the blade as you can see in some examples on Fischer/Zirngibl's Afrikanische Waffen. To the contrary the general shape it's similar to the Baule sword (a part the tip of the blade). Attached Images

13th January 2005, 08:53 PM	#6
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Nice link Just to show all 'African weapons lovers' this nice Belgian website.µ http://www.mambele.be/

12th January 2005, 08:29 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Although I am not well versed in African arms (or legs for that matter ) it does look kinda Kuba to my eye, reminding me of a Kuba knife. There are others who can tell you more accurately than I here. Fella's?

12th January 2005, 08:38 PM	#3
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I don't think it's Kuba. They don't use leather handles on their swords and knives. The shape of the blade is also different. The blades are often decorated with engravings, but these are more geometrical. Here's a (copper) Kuba knife of typical design :

14th January 2005, 03:15 PM	#7
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	Wow. Thanks.

15th January 2005, 02:25 PM	#8
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	Preparing my pictures.Tim