Chokwe weapons

drac2k · 17th May 2021, 06:55 PM

Continuing with the African motif is what I believe to be a Chokwe-Lunda sword. the handle is badly damaged & at one time it probably had brass tacks.
The sword blade in my personal opinion is very well done and pleasing as are the arrows; I think the metal workmanship is on par with Mogul or Indian arrowheads.

Mefidk · 18th May 2021, 11:41 AM

Congratulations on your new pieces

That sword blade looks to be rather more substantial than most. I am not doubting you, but why do you think Chokwe? This shape of blade seems to be used quite widely in central DRC, and looking at the remains of the hilt I would have guessed first at Bena Lulua (with a wide margin for error).
Maybe you can post bigger pictures and someone might be able to add more.

drac2k · 18th May 2021, 04:08 PM

Thanks. There were a couple of close calls on the sword, but I looked it up on a popular site here that Sajen first introduced me to(www.africanarms.com), and it looked like the closest match.
I will post better pictures.

drac2k · 18th May 2021, 08:47 PM

Pictures as promised. The sword blade is 21" x 2" wide.

Mefidk · 19th May 2021, 07:21 PM

The better pictures are a big help. Now I can see the remnants of the copper wire decoration on the hilt and pattern on the blade. Both suggest Yaka/Chokwe to me. Blade shape and size is consistent too. These usually have a leather covered hilt, often held in place by many brass studs. There are a couple of pictures on the site you linked to. Yaka are geographically close to Chokwe, and there is some cross over in weapons shapes and decoration.
Very nice blade, I agree.

drac2k · 19th May 2021, 09:40 PM

Thanks.

17th May 2021, 06:55 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Chokwe weapons Continuing with the African motif is what I believe to be a Chokwe-Lunda sword. the handle is badly damaged & at one time it probably had brass tacks. The sword blade in my personal opinion is very well done and pleasing as are the arrows; I think the metal workmanship is on par with Mogul or Indian arrowheads. Attached Images

18th May 2021, 08:47 PM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Antique Philippine Bolo,Old Filipino Sword,Antique Filipino Knife,Old Sword #3 Pictures as promised. The sword blade is 21" x 2" wide. Attached Images

18th May 2021, 11:41 AM	#2
Mefidk Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Denmark Posts: 157	Congratulations on your new pieces That sword blade looks to be rather more substantial than most. I am not doubting you, but why do you think Chokwe? This shape of blade seems to be used quite widely in central DRC, and looking at the remains of the hilt I would have guessed first at Bena Lulua (with a wide margin for error). Maybe you can post bigger pictures and someone might be able to add more.

18th May 2021, 04:08 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks. There were a couple of close calls on the sword, but I looked it up on a popular site here that Sajen first introduced me to(www.africanarms.com), and it looked like the closest match. I will post better pictures.

19th May 2021, 07:21 PM	#5
Mefidk Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Denmark Posts: 157	The better pictures are a big help. Now I can see the remnants of the copper wire decoration on the hilt and pattern on the blade. Both suggest Yaka/Chokwe to me. Blade shape and size is consistent too. These usually have a leather covered hilt, often held in place by many brass studs. There are a couple of pictures on the site you linked to. Yaka are geographically close to Chokwe, and there is some cross over in weapons shapes and decoration. Very nice blade, I agree.

19th May 2021, 09:40 PM	#6
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks.