|
Until late in the nineteenth century, when a Ngombe chief died, his servants accompanied him into the world of the ancestors. During the funeral proceedings ritual beheadings were accomplished with short swords similar in design to the blades illustrated here. However, since these ngulu were made lighter in weight than executions required, they were used instead as currency tokens, insignias of prestige, or were carried while dancing.
(left) Short Sword, ngulu, ngala
Ngombe/Doko - The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo
iron, wood, iron wrap, (left) 27.75"h x 6.25"w x 2.5"d, (right) 29.5"h x 7.5"w x 3"d
Collection of: Tom Joyce
|
