Mangbetu Knife

[Nagawarrior]

Originally Posted by Freddy

Nice piece with a special handle. I haven't seen this type of handle (yet).

Why would you want to darken the blade ? If I'm not mistaken, like all warriors, the Africans also kept their blades 'clean'. Look at these guys, especially the one on the right. The weapons of the two others have a darker center, but the edges are still clean.

You are both right. It is so "polished" looking, like someone took it to a buffing wheel. Just wanted to tone it down a bit. Think I'll just oil it up and leave it be. I'm really very pleased with this piece. Been looking for one at a good price for a while and found it.
-Stephen

[TimW]

There is a very similar knife in Tribal arts monographs vol 1 n° 3 (p 24 knife 5). I'll try to upload a scan of the knife soon.

Age is stated to be before 1920 (but older than 1900).