Chieftan’s knife – ‘Ngulu’ – Ngombe, Ngala, Mondjembo or Nkundu Peoples, D.R. Congo

Description

This powerful knife with the double spirals in the middle served as a symbol of rank. The shape has evolved from an executioner’s knife and some say that it represents a human form with upstretched arms.
The handle is beautifully decorated with copper windings and the handle is studded with metal tacks.
Forged by Ngombe blacksmiths, but used by a number of groups in the area of northwestern D.R. Congo between the Congo and Ubangi rivers.
Height: 26 ½” x Width: 8 ½”

Height including stand is 35 ¾” on its 5 x 5 stand.