Bakatwa from Zimbabwe

Duccio · 29th March 2026, 04:26 PM

Hello, I bought this bakatwa at an auction (it's about 78 cm long and you can see it in the first photo). A few days later, while searching online for information on this type of sword, I found one that I think is almost identical, on display at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, England (the second photo, low quality).
This photo is on the museum's website (https://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/ind...-10/index.html).
Again, they look absolutely identical to me, although mine has a more irregular blade, so my question is: is there anyone on the forum who can give me more specific information? Do you think it's possible that these swords were produced by repeating the same exact model several times, almost "in series"?
Thanks everyone, regards.
Duccio

Tim Simmons · 30th March 2026, 02:59 PM

Very nice example. I like the use of iron scale from forging to make contrasting decoration. Seen in many cultures.

Ian · 31st March 2026, 05:13 AM

Excellent example. Obviously made for a distinguished individual.

29th March 2026, 04:26 PM	#1
Duccio Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Florence, Italy Posts: 67	Bakatwa from Zimbabwe Hello, I bought this bakatwa at an auction (it's about 78 cm long and you can see it in the first photo). A few days later, while searching online for information on this type of sword, I found one that I think is almost identical, on display at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, England (the second photo, low quality). This photo is on the museum's website (https://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/ind...-10/index.html). Again, they look absolutely identical to me, although mine has a more irregular blade, so my question is: is there anyone on the forum who can give me more specific information? Do you think it's possible that these swords were produced by repeating the same exact model several times, almost "in series"? Thanks everyone, regards. Duccio Attached Images

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30th March 2026, 02:59 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,976	Very nice example. I like the use of iron scale from forging to make contrasting decoration. Seen in many cultures.

31st March 2026, 05:13 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,686	Excellent example. Obviously made for a distinguished individual.