Sword from Angola. Chokwe, Salampasu?

[Pertinax]

Won the auction, the seller claims that the sword was brought from Angola in the 70s of the 20th century.

Characteristic round copper plates are found on Chokwe and Salampasu swords and knives.

I will be grateful for any help in identification. What versions will there be?

[Pertinax]

Total length 58.3 cm

[gp]

could indeed be Chokwe...
although the top of the below Chokwe handles are not round, blunt but both below have a tube-like ending

[werecow]

As an alternative hypothesis, my first thought was Baule, based on grips on the sword in this thread,



and the dagger shown below with the following description:

Very Rare Dagger of the Baule Tribe, Ivory Coast - 13207



The swords and daggers of the Baule tribe are quite rare and sought after by collectors of African weapon / tribal arts. The Baule people reside in Ivory Coast and Neighboring Ghana and known to be masters of wood work and wood engraving. We offer here for sale a classical dagger / short sword of the Baule. The blade is leaf shaped, 10 inches long 3 inches wide a bit crudely forged. The handle is carved hardwood set with brass tacks. The scabbard is wood, covered with hide and set with red painted shells, which were added only to weapons of highly prestigious owners. Total length 14 inches. Very good condition. One of the shells is partially loose. The seam of the hide on the back is open due to hide shrink. Small wood chips on the handle. A very rare authentic piece.

But I am very far from an expert and maybe the Chokwe grip gp posted is a better match.

EDIT: Or maybe Lunda?




But that sword is also described as possibly Chokwe:

Old And Exceptional Sword From The Lunda Tribe / Tshokwe / Chokwe / Songye Dr Congo Ca 1900"
Old And Rare Sword From The Tshokwe / Lunda / Songye Tribe - Dr Congo
Period: 1900 / before 1940
Length: 70 cm

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by werecow

As an alternative hypothesis, my first thought was Baule, based on grips on the sword in this thread,



and the dagger shown below with the following description:



But I am very far from an expert and maybe the Chokwe grip gp posted is a better match.

EDIT: Or maybe Lunda?

Attachment 243330
Attachment 243331

But that sword is also described as possibly Chokwe:

Hi werecow!

Thanks for another direction in my search. I've already gone through the available information, swords of this type are quite rare, so it's quite difficult to say anything with certainty.:смущенный:

Let's keep looking!

Best regards,
Yuri.

[Tim Simmons]

To muddy the waters a little more. This Kwango sword has many of the discussed features though the blade is more decorated and the Kwango area is the opposite side of Africa to Angola.

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by gp

could indeed be Chokwe...
although the top of the below Chokwe handles are not round, blunt but both below have a tube-like ending

Hi gp!

Thank you, very similar swords, there are differences in the handles, but the blades seem to be from the same workshop.

Best regards,
Yuri.