Ceremonial sword, Hemba/Luba, D.R. Congo

Pertinax · 13th June 2024, 02:43 PM

A new sword has arrived in my African collection.

The Hemba (Luba Hemba) people (or Eastern Luba) are a Bantu ethnic group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Quite a rare item; I only came across a couple of specimens from this ethnic group.

A special feature is the very massive handle - a pommel with one body and two faces.

Specifications:
total length – 620 mm, sword length – 590 mm, blade length – 380 mm, blade width at the hilt – 65 mm, blade thickness – 3 mm, weight with sheath – 1000 g, weight – 620 g

By all indications, this sword is some kind of symbol of power or status.

Each Hemba clan has a kabeja, a figurine with one body and two faces, male and female, on one neck. Sacrifices are made to the Kabeje, who pass them on to the spirits.

13th June 2024, 02:43 PM	#1
Pertinax Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: City by the Black Sea Posts: 156	Ceremonial sword, Hemba/Luba, D.R. Congo A new sword has arrived in my African collection. The Hemba (Luba Hemba) people (or Eastern Luba) are a Bantu ethnic group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Quite a rare item; I only came across a couple of specimens from this ethnic group. A special feature is the very massive handle - a pommel with one body and two faces. Specifications: total length – 620 mm, sword length – 590 mm, blade length – 380 mm, blade width at the hilt – 65 mm, blade thickness – 3 mm, weight with sheath – 1000 g, weight – 620 g By all indications, this sword is some kind of symbol of power or status. Each Hemba clan has a kabeja, a figurine with one body and two faces, male and female, on one neck. Sacrifices are made to the Kabeje, who pass them on to the spirits. Attached Images