Title:
Salampasu Sword W/Sheath
Object Name:
Sword, W/Sheath
Other Name:
Knife W/Scabbard
Place of Origin:
Salampasu, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 22"
W = 3"
D = 2"
The 60,000 Salampasu people live on the frontier between the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) and Angola.
Noted on appraisl: Mangbetu, Republic of the Congo, Africa. Knife W/Scabbard.
Described as a Congo knife bought at a rectory sale, (perhaps item collected by missionary). Dated: 1920 — 1930.
New information 05/5/2016
While the knife could be used to defend or attack, the knife was used by masked dancers belonging to the warriors' society called mungongo. They were a governing institution that served to integrate young men into Salampasu society.
H = 22"
W = 3"
D = 2"
The 60,000 Salampasu people live on the frontier between the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) and Angola.
Noted on appraisl: Mangbetu, Republic of the Congo, Africa. Knife W/Scabbard.
Described as a Congo knife bought at a rectory sale, (perhaps item collected by missionary). Dated: 1920 — 1930.
New information 05/5/2016
While the knife could be used to defend or attack, the knife was used by masked dancers belonging to the warriors' society called mungongo. They were a governing institution that served to integrate young men into Salampasu society.
Description:
Knife with wooden handle, undulating blade with planished edges. Straight broad scabbard covered with cloth, with abstract facial features on front.
Collection:
Finley Collection
Material:
Wood W/Iron and Cloth
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Carving / Metal Working / Cloth
Owned:
Art Department, MSSU
Accession#:
2014.1.125
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