AFRICAN WEAPON OR SCEPTER for id
 

can you help me identify this weapon ..
I think it's a parry weapon or a scepter, the blade is not sharp ..
the blade measures 30cm. and the height is 54 cm. she weighs 9oo grams .. I think she comes from northern cameroon (mambila)
have you ever seen this weapon?

I believed that this is a currency scythe from the Kirdi tribe in Cameroon.

thank you
I can not find any photos or documents on this piece

I think you are close to the mark in the term 'scepter' in that these kinds of hafted weapons, while often included in the 'throwing knife' category, are characteristically used as bearing or processional regalia. They are to indicate status or bearing in those instances and in variation can be also in the currency category depending on tribal situations. The 'trombash' of the Mangbetu is one of these status and bearing hafted weapons.


When I look at this one, it seems very much like something derived from ancient Egyptian heiroglyphs. While obviously a free association note, I think of the iconographic figures in processional stance holding these forward.

It is known that many African material culture items and some weapons are compellingly like images on these ancient heiroglyphs and much of the symbolism has been carried into tribal cultures. Even many of the cattle raising tribes in the north have 'brands' reflecting these influences.


While clearly more research into these factors is needed, I thought it might be interesting to bring up these notes for consideration.

With that uniform newish corrosion patina, and the general look of the piece, I have a suspicion this item has been manufactured quite recently. Possibly "made for sale" ?

Sorry to be negative, but of course I could be wrong...

Here is an image of the Mangbetu 'trombash' I spoke of, which illustrates the scepter manner in which it was used, and perhaps in the same way in the case of this weapon, or the form it is intended to represent.


It was the image of this figure holding this piece in this manner that reminded me of Egyptian hieroglyphs I had seen somewhere (in a book, not in Egypt :)
Hopefully I can find it.


Colin, with your eye on these things I would be inclined to agree. It seems there are of course a LOT of these kinds of 'arms' made for the souvenir trade.