A Beautiful African Ceremonial Knife... Comments?
 

My research on this recently finished auction, yielded few conclusions.
I have never seen this design of scabbard.....I think the protrusions on it are, perhaps handles..to hold it 'aloft'...possibly by two people ,to imitate the two figures on the pommel ?
I think it probably came from Nigeria, the Vere tribe or neighbouring groups. I found a ceremonial knife that had many similar constructional similarities, and symbology.
Unfortunately, I was 'pipped at the post' during bidding.... :( :(

Has anyone any comments.....

The pictures on the listing do not do the knife justice, there is alot of detail that is less obvious...


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...:EOIBUAA:UK:11

The knife below is attributed to the Vere.

I think it is possible here too, to see the primordial couple and two very stylised snakes on the outer sides of the scabbards, which as mentioned before are messengers. I have seen some very similar pieces for sale. Obviously they come from a tradition but the ones I have handled, I have not be brave enough to buy. Saying that I have lost good things that way. :rolleyes:

Are you suggesting that ,perhaps, this piece is not necessarily of any age? or for touris.......interior decorators.
I ask, because the rust on the blade looked to be recent and 'even'. There was slight discolouration which seemed to match the diamond cut-out sections of the scabbard. Also some of the copper/brass 'shine through' ,the surface oxidation, was evident in a few places where normal wear would not be usual.
Having said all that I REALLY LIKED IT, whether the iconography/ symbology had made it more attractive to me or not, I can't say, but it had something...........

Hi David,

I am not saying it is tourist work, personally I think some are. It is more that once in the hand and then finding the price, the two did not match up in my mind. Not a very good answer. The one in your post does look nice but you were right to only bet what you could afford to loose, even if it may turn out to be good. Sometimes things stink.