Weapon, Tool ? Africa

chregu · 5th June 2010, 12:39 PM

hello together
that is the current fund!
Only I have no idea what that might be, weapon, tool?
many thanks for the help.
gruss Chregu

Tim Simmons · 5th June 2010, 06:16 PM

My guess is that it is from somewhere NE Congo and a sceptre/parade or dance knife. The wear at the pommel end is very interesting. Almost looks like banging or rubbing wear. This is just pure speculation but perhaps like other divination tools that are rubbed ie drawn across a divination board by consultee and diviner, this too might some sort of divination knife. I like it. Luc might make more sense of it.

Tim Simmons · 5th June 2010, 07:40 PM

There does seem to be a patina to the pommel end? You can see what I mean about rubbing when looking at this Sudan pestle. There will always be a bias, I would think on the side of the diviner. As in all related ideas they make them up and are in control.

Luc LEFEBVRE · 6th June 2010, 12:37 AM

I think it's Ntomba, Sengele : Mongo people.
Ceremonial (ritual with manioc ?) to be verified...

katana · 8th June 2010, 02:17 AM

Interesting piece Chregu.

Anyone got any ideas as to the fine serrated edges (noticeable on both examples shown)

Regards David

.

fearn · 8th June 2010, 03:08 AM

If it's for manioc, I'd bet it's either a peeler or based on a peeler. You have to peel and/or shred the manioc root as part of the processing.

F

Tim Simmons · 8th June 2010, 08:35 PM

Google Manioc peeling knife? any measurements for this knife? It looks a little clumsy for the job?

Tim Simmons · 8th June 2010, 08:42 PM

You can always use a bigger knife. It is interesting the knife chergu posts is really quite elaborate with it's long fancy handle and one has to be aware of how valuable brass was in the African past especially in the Congo. This lady is cutting more than peeling rather elegantly too.

5th June 2010, 12:39 PM	#1
chregu Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: switzerland Posts: 298	Weapon, Tool ? Africa hello together that is the current fund! Only I have no idea what that might be, weapon, tool? many thanks for the help. gruss Chregu Attached Images

5th June 2010, 07:40 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	There does seem to be a patina to the pommel end? You can see what I mean about rubbing when looking at this Sudan pestle. There will always be a bias, I would think on the side of the diviner. As in all related ideas they make them up and are in control. Attached Images

6th June 2010, 12:37 AM	#4
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 473	I think it's Ntomba, Sengele : Mongo people. Ceremonial (ritual with manioc ?) to be verified... Attached Images

8th June 2010, 02:17 AM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Interesting piece Chregu. Anyone got any ideas as to the fine serrated edges (noticeable on both examples shown) Regards David . Attached Images

8th June 2010, 08:35 PM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Google Manioc peeling knife? any measurements for this knife? It looks a little clumsy for the job? Attached Images

5th June 2010, 06:16 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	My guess is that it is from somewhere NE Congo and a sceptre/parade or dance knife. The wear at the pommel end is very interesting. Almost looks like banging or rubbing wear. This is just pure speculation but perhaps like other divination tools that are rubbed ie drawn across a divination board by consultee and diviner, this too might some sort of divination knife. I like it. Luc might make more sense of it.

8th June 2010, 03:08 AM	#6
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	If it's for manioc, I'd bet it's either a peeler or based on a peeler. You have to peel and/or shred the manioc root as part of the processing. F

8th June 2010, 08:42 PM	#8
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	You can always use a bigger knife. It is interesting the knife chergu posts is really quite elaborate with it's long fancy handle and one has to be aware of how valuable brass was in the African past especially in the Congo. This lady is cutting more than peeling rather elegantly too. Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 8th June 2010 at 08:55 PM.