When leaders brandish iron staffs, scepters, or parade knives, their status and authority is confirmed and strengthened.

The design of this blade, based on human form, evolved as a variant of blades initially reserved for ritual executions.

Chieftain's Short Sword, bango, bwagogambanza
Lobala/Ngbaka/Nzombo - The Democratic Republic of the Congo
iron, wood, 19.75"h x 6.75"w x 1.5"d
Collection of: Tom Joyce

Life Force at the Anvil
The Blacksmith's Art from Africa

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