Benin Knife

Bill M · 8th January 2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I would not spend too much money on this. It is just so heavy patinated and the symbolism is not terribly clear.

Looks made for "western eyes." Detail is not clean as would be the case in authentic older pieces from that area. In most African cultures the earlier pieces are much finer made than newer. Most westerners seem to think the opposite would be true.

See, "African Art in Transit."

http://books.google.com/books?id=g8o...result#PPP1,M1

and

http://shopping.msn.com/reviews/afri...art-in-transit

Rod Charters · 8th January 2009, 05:11 PM

Thanks for all the feedback and most useful. I was particularly concerned at the quality of the blade and somehow this just did not tally with the rest of the knife. And now I understand that the quality is poorer than what it should be. I will see what price is being asked and decide whether or not to buy but if I do buy I'll assume its a more recent piece. Once again thanks for the feedback.

Freddy · 9th January 2009, 05:23 PM

I believe so far no one has mentioned the tribe.

In the book 'De fer et de fiérté' is a similar example (but the sheath is more plain) on page 67.

This type of knife/sword comes from the Véré-tribe living on the northeastern border of Nigeria and Cameroon.

8th January 2009, 05:11 PM	#2
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Thanks for all the feedback and most useful. I was particularly concerned at the quality of the blade and somehow this just did not tally with the rest of the knife. And now I understand that the quality is poorer than what it should be. I will see what price is being asked and decide whether or not to buy but if I do buy I'll assume its a more recent piece. Once again thanks for the feedback.

9th January 2009, 05:23 PM	#3
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I believe so far no one has mentioned the tribe. In the book 'De fer et de fiérté' is a similar example (but the sheath is more plain) on page 67. This type of knife/sword comes from the Véré-tribe living on the northeastern border of Nigeria and Cameroon.