African Sword Origin?
 

So this sword came to me as part of a collection I acquired last year. I like it, and as I'm rotating a few pieces in/out of the displayed part of my African collection, I am hoping to learn more about it.

While the symmetrically-recurved blade looks to me as if it might serve a ceremonial function, this is the most "sword-like" (presumably central) African sword I have held… The 44cm / 17.25 inch blade (56 cm, or 22 inches overall) feels great & well-balanced in the hand... it feels like a real user.

The blade is two-toned, blackened in the shallow fullers on either side of a strong, forged medial ridge. It is doubled-edged. The waisted hilt is one piece, and looks to be well-aged with honest patina. The tang is peened at the pommel. The scabbard is one-piece hide, stitched with fiber.

Any feedback re: origin would be greatly appreciated… :) Thanks…

Chris

I've seen an extremely similar spear blade presented as Ashanti, but don't know the accuracy of that....

For a non-African example of swords that serate with big, symetrical, pointed serations, BTW, see ancient Etruscan swords.

Hi

Looks a good old, honest knife from the Congo, nice having the sheath. I can't find an exact match for it in my books, but could be Konda tribe.

Its often difficult to ascribe Congo weapons exactly I find, as there were many crossover influences.

Regards.

Very nice sword. Good to have the sheath.

I'm almost certain it comes from the Konda tribe in Congo.

Thank you Tom, Colin & Freddy... :)