Title:
Poto Sword
Object Name:
Sword, Poto
Other Name:
Sword, Poto, Kuba
Place of Origin:
Poto, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 22"
W = 4"
D = 2"
c. 1940
Poto swords were reserved for dignitaries as a sign of distinction. The Ngombe, Doko and Poto people all used these knives or swords.
During the construction of a Poto sword, powerful beauty was achieved at the expense of function. The skin of an animal covering the hilt was said to contain substances to give the object magical powers.
This weapon has a large ball crafted onto the handle, which is made of woven raffia, copper and also some animal hide pieces. These pommels are said to contain magical substances which gives these knifes their power. These knives where used durning ceremonies, for weapons as well as for bride price.
H = 22"
W = 4"
D = 2"
c. 1940
Poto swords were reserved for dignitaries as a sign of distinction. The Ngombe, Doko and Poto people all used these knives or swords.
During the construction of a Poto sword, powerful beauty was achieved at the expense of function. The skin of an animal covering the hilt was said to contain substances to give the object magical powers.
This weapon has a large ball crafted onto the handle, which is made of woven raffia, copper and also some animal hide pieces. These pommels are said to contain magical substances which gives these knifes their power. These knives where used durning ceremonies, for weapons as well as for bride price.
Description:
Sword with a leaf—shaped blade, with undulating sharp edges. Handle forms head wrapped in skin with long neck, shoulders, arms and body of a figure. Neck, arms and body wrapped in split bamboo raffia.
Collection:
Finley Collection
Material:
Iron W/Raffia, Skin, Wood and Copper
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Metal Working / Weaving / Carving
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2014.1.122
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