Roman sword from Congo!
 

Hello all!

Just have bought this sword, I am nearly sure that it is from Congo: http://www.ebay.com/itm/111107378156...84.m1439.l2648

I am sure that our Africa expert will be able to tell me more about this sword, exact origin, ethnic group and maybe the name of this sword. All other informations are very welcome. Thank you in advance,

Detlef

While yours has a different blade profile from my own example, they seem to share enough similar aspects (e.g., the waisted cylindrical hilt) to merit comparison IMHO... :)

Link

Thank you Chris, very helpful! :) :) :) So it could be a Konda sword.

Regards,

Detlef

Certainly seems to have elements leaning that way, but I have a very hard time telling the difference between some of the Congo tribal groups. In any case a nice addition to your growing Congo collection! :)

Thank you Ian! :) You are certainly correct, there are many tribal groups and the crossover elements make it not more easy to pin down an exact origin IMHO.
Maybe Luc see this thread and know more.

Regards,

Detlef

No further opinions? Luc, Tim, Freddy? Others? ;)

Have received the Konda sword and have given it some maintenance.

I also think it's Konda. But like Iain said : the variation in Congolese weapons is enourmous. I've seen a blade from one tribe, with a typical handle of another tribe.

This makes our hobby interesting ! :D

Thank you for your opinion Freddy! :)

Regards,

Detlef

Have another vote for Konda after seeing the latest pics. Then again my opinion isn't worth much in this area. :D

Hello Ian,
your opinion seems to be worthy! :) Have an expert vote for Konda by mail as well.

Regards,

Detlef

It cleaned up beautifully, Detlef! :)

I can see in the third photo the contrast between the blackened center and the outter perimeter of the blade... does the same (degree of) contrast hold true for the rest of the blade?

Cheers,
Chris

Hi Chris,

thank you! :) Yes, have looked that the complete blade have kept this contrast. Not easy since the frontside have had some deep corrosion, see the second picture. Will try to take a photo by daylight tomorrow.

Regards,

Detlef

Here a picture taken with flash light but not from the front where you can see clearly the contrast.

Yep - it's a beautiful blade!

I was going to link to a thread I (thought I) remember that was dedicated to two-tone blades (from Central and East Africa to Indo-Persia to SE Asia), but couldn't find it... :shrug:

It always makes for an aesthetically pleasing effect IMO. :)

Cheers,
Chris

Really a beautiful sword, Detlef.
Congrats!

Flavio

Thank you Chris and Flavio! :)