Sickle Sword - Azande People, D.R. Congo

Originally collected in the Congo in the late 1940's - early 1950's by Ronald Suetens who worked for Sabena Airlines which was the flagship airline of Belgium.

This classic sickle shaped sword (Mambele) was similar to ones used by their neighbors, especially the Boa.

The word Azande means the people who possess much land, and refers to their history as conquering warriors. In the early 19th century, the Bandia people ruled over the Vungara and the two groups became the Azande people.
This curved sword is a variant of one of many types of curved swords in Sub-Saharan Africa of many names but most known as the mambele swords. They can be wielded to great and deadly effect in battle.

Height: 25 ½" x Width: 6 ¼" x Depth: 13/16".