Antique African Knife for ID

Davidofff · 26th September 2020, 04:10 PM

Hello! I just bought this great African knife, someone could tell me from the area it is. Thanks!

Yvain · 27th September 2020, 02:58 PM

That's a very impressive blade ! I've found the same shape here : http://www.africanarms.com/gallery?3-mbole-64-5-cm described as Mbole, however, the grip on your example is very different. What is it made of ? Bronze ? I also found this one, with a rather similar grip : https://www.catawiki.com/l/7284189-a...bole-d-r-congo

As a disclaimer, though, I have absolutely no knowledge on weapons of this area, and as such can' tell you if that attribution is correct or not (still a starting point for your own research though, I guess).

Duccio · 27th September 2020, 03:57 PM

Ciao,
it is a dagger of the mbole people (R.D.C.).
The blade is made of thin sheet metal; the handle, usually very heavy, is made of copper.
In my humble collection I have one exactly identical to yours.
For reference see here:
http://www.memoire-africaine.com/armes2.html

Copper is highly valued by the mbole, who also used it for their currency, from the typical shape, which they wore on the ankles.
Who knows what comfort, considering the weight!

Davidofff · 27th September 2020, 05:38 PM

Yes, the handle is made of copper and the blade is made of sheet metal.
Thank you very much for the information, it is very useful for me since I did not find anything.
I really like this dagger

26th September 2020, 04:10 PM	#1
Davidofff Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 2	Antique African Knife for ID Hello! I just bought this great African knife, someone could tell me from the area it is. Thanks! Attached Images

27th September 2020, 03:57 PM	#3
Duccio Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Florence, Italy Posts: 64	Ciao, it is a dagger of the mbole people (R.D.C.). The blade is made of thin sheet metal; the handle, usually very heavy, is made of copper. In my humble collection I have one exactly identical to yours. For reference see here: http://www.memoire-africaine.com/armes2.html Copper is highly valued by the mbole, who also used it for their currency, from the typical shape, which they wore on the ankles. Who knows what comfort, considering the weight! Attached Images

27th September 2020, 02:58 PM	#2
Yvain Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: France Posts: 178	That's a very impressive blade ! I've found the same shape here : http://www.africanarms.com/gallery?3-mbole-64-5-cm described as Mbole, however, the grip on your example is very different. What is it made of ? Bronze ? I also found this one, with a rather similar grip : https://www.catawiki.com/l/7284189-a...bole-d-r-congo As a disclaimer, though, I have absolutely no knowledge on weapons of this area, and as such can' tell you if that attribution is correct or not (still a starting point for your own research though, I guess).

27th September 2020, 05:38 PM	#4
Davidofff Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 2	Yes, the handle is made of copper and the blade is made of sheet metal. Thank you very much for the information, it is very useful for me since I did not find anything. I really like this dagger