Once a formidable symbol of power, the iron and wood executioner’s sword was thankfully transformed into a ceremonial dance sword when the Belgians outlawed its use in 1900.
As symbols of power over life and death, African ritual swords were rarely employed in the execution of criminals who had been condemned to die, but rather served as a prestige object wielded by someone of a really high status.
Forged by Ngombe blacksmiths, but used by a number of groups such as the Ngombe and Doko in the area of northwestern D.R. Congo between the Congo and Ubangi rivers.
Height: 28 ¼" x Width: 8".
