Bena Lua Sword
 

Hello Everybody, Thought I'd post of some pictures of this old Bena Lua sword and see what you guys think. I've managed to get a few of these put away over the years but I don't see them much any more.

interesting sword; kind of 1/2 way between an ilwoon and a Konda/Mongo double-hook sword. This genereal type of sword (including IMHO even seme etc.) with its wide thin cutting tip may have contributed (along with hwi and mambele) to the evolution of the modern machete. Would the tip have been symmetrical originallly? The flat facets to the pommel are interesting.

Thanks for the reply Tom. First off, yes it originally was symetrical and was chipped a little and sharpened over during its working life. It's interesting you mention it's resemblance to the Mongo double hook knife because I have another Bena Lulua sword that's really similar. I'll put up some pictures of that one in a couple of days, I have to dig it out of my storage room!
Since that stretch of the Luluaba was such a trade hub it makes sense to me that many designs would travel to, from and through its artisans and marketplaces. Here are pictures of a couple more with more coming in a few days