Antiquities

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A MANGBETU IRON AND IVORY ‘TRUMBASH’ CEREMONIAL KNIFE,
SUDAN
The sickle-shaped blade set in an ivory handle decorated with grooves
and dot-and-circle motifs, 33cm long
Literature: Trumbash knives were used both as a symbol of rank and as
currency. Copper or brass blades were reserved for the aristocracy and
examples of iron with ivory handle, such as this one, were only for the
most important members of the royal family. For a discussion of
trumbash knives, cf. C.J. Opitz, An Ethnographic Study of Traditional
Money, Ocala, 2000, p.357.
£100-£200
276
A MANGBETU IRON AND WOOD ‘TRUMBASH’ CEREMONIAL
DAGGER, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The typical sickle-shaped blade set on a wood hilt, the pommel in the
shape of a stylised head, 40cm long
£100-£200
277
THREE MANGBETU IRON AND WOOD ‘TRUMBASH’ CEREMONIAL
DAGGERS, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
With sickle-shaped blade set on wood hilt, one example with the
pommel in the shape of a stylised head, 33cm-38cm long (3)
£100-£200
278
A GROUP OF VARIOUS IRON BLADES, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF
CONGO
Including three throwing knives, two swords, two spear heads, and a
sword with curved blade, some decorated with incised geometric
motifs, 43.5cm-69.5cm long; and three iron and wood weapons
including a broad sword with wood scabbard, an axe with the shaft in
the shape of a human head; and a sword sickle, the hilt in the shape of
a male figure with crest headdress, a lizard resting on his belly, 44cm-
65cm long (11)
£100-£150
Antiquities and Tribal Art 73