Object Details
- Label Text
- In late 19th and early 20th century travel accounts, the use of curved bladed knives as prestige emblems among the Mangbetu is well documented. They were carried in the right hand or sometimes hooked over the shoulder, but not stuck in a belt. These knives seem to be elaborations of the utilitarian bush knife and in fact old, worn knives may revert to a utilitarian function. Both dramatic and elegant with its pierced and curved form, the blade is of highly forged iron and the handle of simple wood. Sometimes the handles are embellished with wire or made of ivory and there are several relatively standard variations in the length and form of the handle and the metal shaft below the curve.
- Description
- Knife with curved iron blade on an ivory handle with cylindrical pommel bearing incised parallel lines.
- Provenance
- Harold Rome, New York, -- to 1980
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Mangbetu artist
- Date
- Late 19th-early 20th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Harold Rome
- Medium
- Metal, ivory
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 40 x 21.6 x 2.8cm (15 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 1 1/8in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
