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Requires Photography
Court sword
Mongo complex; Ngandu / Saka
20th century
Object Place: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/Technique
metal, wood, wire, tacks
Dimensions
Overall: 38.2 x 13 x 6 cm (15 1/16 x 5 1/8 x 2 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2560
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Africa and Oceania
ClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing – Swords, daggers, knives
South of the Nzakara, on both sides of the upper Ubangi River, Banza, Gobu, and Banziri blacksmiths manufacture knives of this type. Primarily symbols of prestige, most Saka, Kota and Kutu men owned knives like this one. The blade is worked to create a decorative pattern and the handle is ornamented with copper wire and brass tacks.
ProvenanceGeneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)