Two knifes, 19th century ·  Gabon, Fang/D. R. Congo, Kusu/Songe · ID: 3042202

Description

a) knife of the Kusu, forged iron blade with copper inlay in openwork design and fine engravings on both sides, wooden hilt embellished with copper and studs, min. dam., slight traces of corrosion, l: 44 cm;
b) knife of the Fang, t-shaped wooden hilt wrapped with fine wire, upper part of the blade with fine engravings on both sides, min. dam., slight traces of corrosion, L. 47,5 cm;
the knives of the Fang tribes are distinguished by their beauty and refined designs which, however, do not camouflage their functionality.
the elegant proportions of the blade and hilt, the contrasts of metal, and the precision of the incised decoration create the impression of fine jewelry-making.

Comparing literature

Fatal Beauty, Traditional weapons from Central Africa, Brussels 2009, p. 108, ill. 58 (a) Berardi, Marianne, Standing on ceremony, Cleveland 2004, p. 40, ill. 22 (b) Gemeentekrediet (ed.), Dodelijk Mooi, Brussels 1992, p. 242, ill. 472

Publications

AHDRC: 0142000