Congo swords and Knives

[Miguel]

Hello everyone,

I have posted these photos of Congo weapons in the hope that the more knowledgeable members will confirm or otherwise the nams and origins that I have used as I have found it very difficult in some cases to differentiate between tribes. They may also prove of some interest to other members.
Thanking you in anticipation.

No1:- Manbetu Trumbash having two holes
No 2:- Mangbetu Trumbash with three holes
No 3-- Mongo, Konda Ikakalaka
No 4:- Pende Sword
No 5:- Poto Dignitary sword made by Ngombe
No 6:- Similar to No 5
No 7:- Zande Sword
No 8 Zande swhort sword or knife
No 9: Ngala Executioners Sword
No 10;_ Ngulu Executioners Sword made by the Ngombe
Regards
Miguel

[Miguel]

Looks as the pics have scrambled during transmission.
Nos 9 and 10

[Sajen]

Nice collection of Cental African knives you have put together there!

[VANDOO]

A NICE ASSORTMENT ITS NOT MY FIELD SO I CAN'T ADD MUCH. THE TWO SWORDS YOU IDENTIFY AS ZANDE ARE ONES I HAVE ALWAYS CALLED POTO SWORDS. YOUR TWO EXAMPLES STILL HAVE THEIR HIDE BUNDLES ON THE POMMELS THAT HOLD MAGICAL ITEMS AND TALISMAN , OFTEN THEY ARE MISSING.

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by VANDOO

A NICE ASSORTMENT ITS NOT MY FIELD SO I CAN'T ADD MUCH. THE TWO SWORDS YOU IDENTIFY AS ZANDE ARE ONES I HAVE ALWAYS CALLED POTO SWORDS. YOUR TWO EXAMPLES STILL HAVE THEIR HIDE BUNDLES ON THE POMMELS THAT HOLD MAGICAL ITEMS AND TALISMAN , OFTEN THEY ARE MISSING.

Hi Vandoo, they have got mixed up when postng but you are quite correct that the two swords you refer to are Poto. I have not disturbed the hide handles due to them being dry so I don't know if they have still have any magical items in them. I haven't felt any vibes so I suspect they have been lost.
Regards
Miguel

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Nice collection of Cental African knives you have put together there!

Hi Sajen, thanks for your comment, I find the weapons of the Congo fascinating there shapes and decoration are so diverse and flamboyant which seems remarkable to me considering the materials and tools they had to work with. The problem I have is try6ing to determine which ethnic group used which weapon type and which group`s Smith made them, just one of the usual frustrations for collectors
Regards
Miguel

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Miguel

The problem I have is try6ing to determine which ethnic group used which weapon type and which group`s Smith made them, just one of the usual frustrations for collectors

A good overview gives "panga na visu" from Zirngibl/Kubetz also when the descriptions in German. I think that the knives are more regional as you can attribute them to a special group and you need to be a good specialist to attribute a knife special to a small ethnic group.

Regards,
Detlef

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by Sajen

A good overview gives "panga na visu" from Zirngibl/Kubetz also when the descriptions in German. I think that the knives are more regional as you can attribute them to a special group and you need to be a good specialist to attribute a knife special to a small ethnic group.

Regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef[, I realise that it is very difficult to attribute these knives to a particular ethnic group due to the large number of such groups in the Congo and the similarity of form and decoration that many of these weapons have to each other but I was just hoping that one of our very knowledgeable members on African weapons may know and care to share his knowledge but from the lack of response it doesn't seem so. Thanks to yourself and Vandoo for your replies.
Regards
Miguel