Often referred to a bird’s head knife, as it resembles the African Hornbill (calao) or raven with its tail like spur
and negative space for the eye. These birds were admired for their
persistence and intelligence. The knives, made from iron, wood and brass, had various functions such
as weapons, prestige, currency & spiritual protection. Per the book ‘Blades of
Beauty, Blades of Death’, The Kota would exchange the bird-headed
knife between families in arranging marriages. Knives were used by
several religious societies including the Mungala, a male secret society.
PROVENANCE: Collected in 1962 in Gabon by Brian Weinstein while doing research for
his book ‘Gabon: Nation Building on the Ogooue’ amongst others. Weinstein interviewed the then President, Gabriel Leon M’ba who said the knife was also used to
ward off witchcraft.
Height: 12 ⅞" x Width: 8 ¾".
