• Momvu / western Mangbetu / Makere / Ngbele / Bodo, D.R. Congo

• Early 20th C.

• Iron and wood

• 21 in. / 53 cm

• From the collection of Dieter Schaffner from Groß-Gerau, Germany

This abstract asymmetrical blade with gorgeous incisions was known as uggo among the Momvu. Used as a symbol of prestige by powerful women, this knife type originates predominantly from the Momvu, who live along the southern bank of the Maika River in northeastern D.R. Congo. Similar knives were also collected from neighboring groups, such as the Bodo, Makere, and Mangbele (Berardi, Standing on Ceremony, 2004; Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Elsen, Fatal Beauty [black], 2013).

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