
Title | Kuba Iron Sword Curved Blade Currency Congo Africa 31 Inch |
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Type of Object | Knife |
Country of Origin | Democratic Republic of Congo |
People | Kuba |
Materials | Iron, wood handle, copper or brass wire wrapped on handle |
Approximate Age | Unknown |
Height (in) | 31 |
Width (in) | 5 |
Dimensions | Height: 31 Inches Width: 5 Inches |
Overall Condition | Fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. |
Damage/Repair | Rusted, chipped and stained blade; see pictures for details. |
Additional Information: A forged iron sword currency from the Kuba of the DR Congo.
Metal, in whatever form, has value and, particularly among traditional societies, iron had value, in that it could be converted into other forms such as a hoe, a spear point, or machete. These metal tools and weapons carried not only symbolic meaning during bride negotiations but held practical value as well.