A Beautiful African Ceremonial Knife... Comments?

katana · 8th July 2006, 11:33 AM

My research on this recently finished auction, yielded few conclusions.
I have never seen this design of scabbard.....I think the protrusions on it are, perhaps handles..to hold it 'aloft'...possibly by two people ,to imitate the two figures on the pommel ?
I think it probably came from Nigeria, the Vere tribe or neighbouring groups. I found a ceremonial knife that had many similar constructional similarities, and symbology.
Unfortunately, I was 'pipped at the post' during bidding....

Has anyone any comments.....

The pictures on the listing do not do the knife justice, there is alot of detail that is less obvious...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...:EOIBUAA:UK:11

The knife below is attributed to the Vere.

Tim Simmons · 8th July 2006, 09:05 PM

I think it is possible here too, to see the primordial couple and two very stylised snakes on the outer sides of the scabbards, which as mentioned before are messengers. I have seen some very similar pieces for sale. Obviously they come from a tradition but the ones I have handled, I have not be brave enough to buy. Saying that I have lost good things that way.

katana · 8th July 2006, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I have seen some very similar pieces for sale. Obviously they come from a tradition but the ones I have handled, I have not be brave enough to buy. Saying that I have lost good things that way.

Are you suggesting that ,perhaps, this piece is not necessarily of any age? or for touris.......interior decorators.
I ask, because the rust on the blade looked to be recent and 'even'. There was slight discolouration which seemed to match the diamond cut-out sections of the scabbard. Also some of the copper/brass 'shine through' ,the surface oxidation, was evident in a few places where normal wear would not be usual.
Having said all that I REALLY LIKED IT, whether the iconography/ symbology had made it more attractive to me or not, I can't say, but it had something...........

Tim Simmons · 8th July 2006, 09:33 PM

Hi David,

I am not saying it is tourist work, personally I think some are. It is more that once in the hand and then finding the price, the two did not match up in my mind. Not a very good answer. The one in your post does look nice but you were right to only bet what you could afford to loose, even if it may turn out to be good. Sometimes things stink.

8th July 2006, 11:33 AM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	A Beautiful African Ceremonial Knife... Comments? My research on this recently finished auction, yielded few conclusions. I have never seen this design of scabbard.....I think the protrusions on it are, perhaps handles..to hold it 'aloft'...possibly by two people ,to imitate the two figures on the pommel ? I think it probably came from Nigeria, the Vere tribe or neighbouring groups. I found a ceremonial knife that had many similar constructional similarities, and symbology. Unfortunately, I was 'pipped at the post' during bidding.... Has anyone any comments..... The pictures on the listing do not do the knife justice, there is alot of detail that is less obvious... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...:EOIBUAA:UK:11 The knife below is attributed to the Vere. Attached Images Last edited by katana; 8th July 2006 at 12:26 PM.

8th July 2006, 09:05 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	I think it is possible here too, to see the primordial couple and two very stylised snakes on the outer sides of the scabbards, which as mentioned before are messengers. I have seen some very similar pieces for sale. Obviously they come from a tradition but the ones I have handled, I have not be brave enough to buy. Saying that I have lost good things that way.

8th July 2006, 09:33 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	Hi David, I am not saying it is tourist work, personally I think some are. It is more that once in the hand and then finding the price, the two did not match up in my mind. Not a very good answer. The one in your post does look nice but you were right to only bet what you could afford to loose, even if it may turn out to be good. Sometimes things stink.