Janus-headed, large-bladed African knife

Ian · 23rd June 2024, 07:23 AM

This is a big knife, more in the nature of a short sword. The spatulate blade is made of a copper alloy, probably brass, and the thickness of the blade is no more than 1.5-2.0 mm at its thickest point adjacent to the hilt. The hilt has been cast and is very light for its size; it is hollow throughout and conveys a resonant sound when struck lightly. Both the blade and hilt have a heavy dark patina, suggesting some significant age.

The pommel of the hilt has opposite facing faces, which in Western (Roman) culture is a Janus motif (Ianus Bifolios), the god of opening and closing after whom January is named. I don't know if the same significance applies in the African context. Perhaps someone here is familiar with the significance of this double-headed representation in Central African mythology. I'm uncertain exactly where this one is from, so perhaps somebody can identify its origin and likely age.

Dimensions are as follows:
OAL = 21.75 in. (55.2 cm)
Hilt and guard = 8.75 in. (22.2 cm)
Length of blade = 13.0 in. (33.0 cm)
Max. width of blade = 6.0 in. (15.2 cm)

Provenance: Estate of Helmut and Mari-Anne Zimmer, Zurich
Sold by Hammer Auctionen, Basel, February, 2024.
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23rd June 2024, 07:23 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,197	Janus-headed, large-bladed African knife This is a big knife, more in the nature of a short sword. The spatulate blade is made of a copper alloy, probably brass, and the thickness of the blade is no more than 1.5-2.0 mm at its thickest point adjacent to the hilt. The hilt has been cast and is very light for its size; it is hollow throughout and conveys a resonant sound when struck lightly. Both the blade and hilt have a heavy dark patina, suggesting some significant age. The pommel of the hilt has opposite facing faces, which in Western (Roman) culture is a Janus motif (Ianus Bifolios), the god of opening and closing after whom January is named. I don't know if the same significance applies in the African context. Perhaps someone here is familiar with the significance of this double-headed representation in Central African mythology. I'm uncertain exactly where this one is from, so perhaps somebody can identify its origin and likely age. Dimensions are as follows: OAL = 21.75 in. (55.2 cm) Hilt and guard = 8.75 in. (22.2 cm) Length of blade = 13.0 in. (33.0 cm) Max. width of blade = 6.0 in. (15.2 cm) Provenance: Estate of Helmut and Mari-Anne Zimmer, Zurich Sold by Hammer Auctionen, Basel, February, 2024. . Attached Images