Old ngulu

Marc M. · 27th June 2025, 03:44 PM

My latest acquisition, a ngulu of Ngombe, Doko, Iboko (Ngala).... This is an old knife, late 19th early 20th century.
The characteristics of an old ngulu are, a sturdy solid blade, the braid to hold the blade in place (function decapitation, battle) as the end of the blade does not go through the handle and the small 'spheres of the handle versus the more recent specimens. Oal 65.5 cm.
Regards
Marc

Pertinax · 27th June 2025, 07:21 PM

Congratulations Marc on your new acquisition!
А great specimen!

Pertinax · 27th June 2025, 10:46 PM

Marc, look at this interesting story:

Marc M. · 28th June 2025, 11:26 AM

Thanks Yuri, this booklet by Gosseau is full of valuable information about these knives and relatives.

Regards
Marc

Sajen · 28th June 2025, 07:41 PM

A very nice ngulu Marc! Attached a picture from one I had once.

Regards,
Detlef

Jim McDougall · 28th June 2025, 10:31 PM

Marc, thank you for sharing this outstanding example!
The weapons of Africa are fascinating in their often bizarre shapes, and are rich in the kinds of subjects I enjoy studying, symbolism, traditional beliefs, superstitions, magic, etc. and the anthropological complexities of the peoples of this continent.

While the NGULU form does have a rather grim background as far as its purpose, it does seem much of this has transcended into a more ceremonial character as would seem to be the case with this very fine example.

It seems that the practices these type swords, which appear to have some degree of variations in the shapes and blade systems, for which they were presumably intended ceased during the Belgian occupation (1885-1908) and thereafter. The more likely purpose of these moved toward symbols of authority and station for tribal chiefs and their retinue.

The highly decorated character of this example would seem to be in accord with that idea. I am wondering about the interesting patterns of lines and linear dashes etc. and if perhaps these might align with certain scarification patterns. In one reference it is noted that scarification was not particularly notably a practice among the Ngombe and associated tribes, but perhaps it was present among chiefdom.

It seems that these lines are fairly consistent following the blade shapes and contours on various examples shown however, so beyond the obvious aesthetic perception, could there be some sort of magical or other symbolism applied collectively?

Pertinax · 29th June 2025, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc M.

Thanks Yuri, this booklet by Gosseau is full of valuable information about these knives and relatives.

Regards
Marc

Marc hello!

Unfortunately, I don't have the booklet by Gosseau. Is there a mention in it that these blades served as valuables used for exchange (currency)?

Judging by the fact that these blades are quite common, it is quite possible that this is true.

In the topic:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=30497
we discussed brass nails for upholstery. The item can be dated to the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century.

Respectfully,
Yuri

27th June 2025, 03:44 PM	#1
Marc M. Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Belgium Posts: 287	Old ngulu My latest acquisition, a ngulu of Ngombe, Doko, Iboko (Ngala).... This is an old knife, late 19th early 20th century. The characteristics of an old ngulu are, a sturdy solid blade, the braid to hold the blade in place (function decapitation, battle) as the end of the blade does not go through the handle and the small 'spheres of the handle versus the more recent specimens. Oal 65.5 cm. Regards Marc Attached Images

27th June 2025, 10:46 PM	#3
Pertinax Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: City by the Black Sea Posts: 255	Marc, look at this interesting story: Last edited by Ian; 28th June 2025 at 02:01 PM. Reason: Links removed—linked items are for sale

28th June 2025, 11:26 AM	#4
Marc M. Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Belgium Posts: 287	Thanks Yuri, this booklet by Gosseau is full of valuable information about these knives and relatives. Regards Marc Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 28th June 2025 at 02:02 PM. Reason: Links removed to items currently for sale.

28th June 2025, 07:41 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,238	A very nice ngulu Marc! Attached a picture from one I had once. Regards, Detlef Attached Images

27th June 2025, 07:21 PM	#2
Pertinax Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: City by the Black Sea Posts: 255	Congratulations Marc on your new acquisition! А great specimen!

28th June 2025, 10:31 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,336	Marc, thank you for sharing this outstanding example! The weapons of Africa are fascinating in their often bizarre shapes, and are rich in the kinds of subjects I enjoy studying, symbolism, traditional beliefs, superstitions, magic, etc. and the anthropological complexities of the peoples of this continent. While the NGULU form does have a rather grim background as far as its purpose, it does seem much of this has transcended into a more ceremonial character as would seem to be the case with this very fine example. It seems that the practices these type swords, which appear to have some degree of variations in the shapes and blade systems, for which they were presumably intended ceased during the Belgian occupation (1885-1908) and thereafter. The more likely purpose of these moved toward symbols of authority and station for tribal chiefs and their retinue. The highly decorated character of this example would seem to be in accord with that idea. I am wondering about the interesting patterns of lines and linear dashes etc. and if perhaps these might align with certain scarification patterns. In one reference it is noted that scarification was not particularly notably a practice among the Ngombe and associated tribes, but perhaps it was present among chiefdom. It seems that these lines are fairly consistent following the blade shapes and contours on various examples shown however, so beyond the obvious aesthetic perception, could there be some sort of magical or other symbolism applied collectively?