Sheath made from wood, leather, natural fibers, cowrie shells and pigment.
Originally intended as a war weapon, this
elaborate knife and scabbard now serves as a symbol of prestige
and rank for high ranking individuals, chiefs and kings used in
parades and ceremonies. The flat iron blade is with incised hearts
on both faces and terminates in a C shaped tip.The wooden sheath
is enveloped and stitched with animal leather and beautiful decorated with woven panels along with large red loop panels embellished with cowrie shells.
The sheath of this weapon is completely intact, which is wonderful, as they are often parts. The carefully forged blade is beautifully embellished.
Altogether it is a rare work of art, and a still rarer collector's item.
There are numerous peoples in the grasslands of Cameroon, and high ranking dignitaries from this area would possess such a piece.
Former private NYC collection, acquired 1950's or early '60's.
Height: 28 ½" x Width: 17 ½" x Depth: 1 ¾"
Height of knife/sword is 25 ¼" x Width: 4 ½".
