• Short Sword Mambeli

• Boa / Angba / Hanga, D.R. Congo

• Iron, wood, brass

• Early 20th century

• 19.25 x 2 in. / 49 x 5 cm

• Height on display stand: 20.25 in. / 51 cm

In addition to being a functional blade, the mambeli short sword served as a symbol of prestige and as an object of currency. Most were carried under the belt without a sheath; examples with a sheath are rare. While their dimensions vary considerably—from 8 to 36 inches—the size of the handle is always relatively small. (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003).

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