This type of knife was used as a battle weapon. They were also used in tribal ceremonies as a symbol of rank and as a form of currency.
From the Tshuapa river mouth, or Bangala (Ngala). Bangala is the name of a station on the Congo River, set up in the 19th century.
It also refers to the language, a dialect of Mongo that is spoken in the area. A number of tribes live in the area, all part of the Mongo ethnic group.
Height: 28 3/4" Width: 8 3/16" - It is 30 1/4" in height mounted on a 5" square metal base.