The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 21, 2023

Knife

c. 1900

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangala-style maker

Iron, wood, copper alloy, upholstery studs, plant fibers, and rawhide

Overall: 57.2 cm (22 1/2 in.); Blade: 41.4 cm (16 5/16 in.)

Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.743

Location

not on view

Description

This beautifully wrought knife served as a symbol of political authority among the Ngala. Quite literally it signified the power of life and death for its form was derived from that of an executioner's knife.

Exhibition history

Western Reserve Historical Society (4/24/2004 - 11/27/2004): 'Standing on Ceremony: Traditional African Arms from the Donna and Robert Jackson Collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art"

Standing on Ceremony: Traditional African Arms from the Donna and Robert Jackson Collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (April 24, 2004-March 15, 2005).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.743