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Old 28th March 2026, 07:16 PM   #1
Duccio
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Hi, I'm late in seeing this thread.
I have a sword that looks like the sister of the one in Pertinax's post, except for the end of the handle, which actually has a cone-shaped tip.
The cone is very small, however, and different from the one found on classic Yaka hilts.
This sword was sold to me as being made by the Chokwe people.
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Old 28th March 2026, 07:37 PM   #2
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Probably also in the case of my sword the terminal cone is small because the larger metal cone has been lost.
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Old 30th March 2026, 12:15 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Duccio View Post
Probably also in the case of my sword the terminal cone is small because the larger metal cone has been lost.
Hi Duccio!

The swords are very similar, apparently made by the same artisan. Yes, the metal cone is missing, but now the design is clear. Before, I couldn't figure out how the metal cone was attached to the hilt.

Thanks for posting.

Sincerely,
Yuri
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Old 1st April 2026, 08:40 PM   #4
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I didn't read the whole topic, but it's a very nice southern Congo sword (Angolan border). Imo late 19th C, but could be very early 20th C.
Attached one I had in my collection once.
Mostly these are attributed to the Tchokwe or Lunda (or Kaniok).
This type is much less common than the classic Yaka swords.

Pommel may be original, they do exist with and without cone.
I attached 2 classic Yaka swords with damaged pommel (don't have better pics). When an original cone is removed, it's ugly, not like the sword of the OP.
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Old 1st April 2026, 10:58 PM   #5
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Dear colleagues, could you please tell me:

1. What metal is the cone on the handles of Chokwe and Yaka swords made of?

2. Is the cone one piece or is there a seam on the side?

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,
Yuri
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Old 2nd April 2026, 12:06 AM   #6
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My Yaka: It is magnetic and there is oxidation, so I guess probably steel or iron. There appears to be a seam.
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Old 2nd April 2026, 06:29 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by werecow View Post
My Yaka: It is magnetic and there is oxidation, so I guess probably steel or iron. There appears to be a seam.
Thank you very much, werecow!

I want to restore my sword and commission a cone, but I need more examples to decide what metal to use and what technique to use.

By the way, the blacksmith's work is very good; in my opinion, these are some of the most beautiful and intricate swords in Africa.

Sincerely,
Yuri
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