MSSU African Art Exibit : The MSSU African Art collection features a variety of authentic works of art from various tribes located throughout Central Africa. The objects in the collection range from mundane day to day grooming tools to ritualistic masks and statues.
Title:
Sickle—shaped, Kuba Cleaver
Object Name:
Cleaver, Kuba
Other Name:
Cleaver, Kuba
Place of Origin:
Kuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 17—1/2"
W = 6—1/2"
D = 1—1/4"

Knives, daggers and swords from the Kuba people are used as prestige items. Historical documents indicate that quantities of them were brought to the Congo by Portuguese and Dutch traders beginning around the 16th century. Many weapons were then forged by Congolese blacksmiths to emulate foreign examples. They were reserved for nobles and used for important ceremonial occasions.



Description:
Large cleaver, sickle—shaped blade with sharp edge on outer rim. Brown wooden handle, with the top wrapped in brass wire.
Collection:
Finley Collection
Material:
Wood W/Brass and Iron
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Metal Working / Carving
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2014.1.113
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