Zemanek-Münster

Ritual knife

D. R. Congo, Lega
sold EUR 900
Provenance
Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels, Belgium
Size
L: 15,5 cm
L: 6.1 inch

Description

ivory, dark brown pigment in the deepenings, ornamentally decorated with typical circle ornament and cross hatching, slightly dam. (“blade tip”);
in addition to being used, along with other utensils, in the “skinning of the elephant” ceremony, small ivory knives are owned by people who have special rights, such as the authority to distribute sacred animal or to organize circumcision camps. Teachers may also be recognized with a gift of a small ivory knife.


Comparing literature

Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 94

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