Old ngulu

[Marc M.]

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]

Congratulations Marc on your new acquisition!
А great specimen!

[Pertinax]

Marc, look at this interesting story:

[Marc M.]

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

Regards
Marc

[Sajen]

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

Regards,
Detlef

[Jim McDougall]

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?

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

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?

Hi Jim Of all the African weapons I have collected, the ngulu has been a form that facinated me from the beginning. Human creativity is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. How does one come up with such bizarre shapes and still create a functional weapon? A straight piece of steel with a handle attached also does its thing in combat, but in African culture one arrives at such a form, very fascinating. That the ngulu got its dark repution as a decapitation knife is only one part of the story. Like many objects from any culture, they are often taken out of context and it's just about that one object.
I find nothing in the books I have about the possible significance of the engravings on the ngulu.The reference to scarafictions could be a factor but usually lines, grooves and ridges are a way of reinforcing the often thin blade, making it stiffer to be functional. An important aspect, often forgotten, is the importance of magic, sorcery in African society. As a weapon probably bigger and more dangerous than a mountain of the best weapons. As you correctly point out the decorations on the ngululemmet are pretty much consistent with only a few differences in the details
Maybe we overanalyze this fact too much and those decorations are tradition and just beautiful without further meaning.

Regards
Marc

[werecow]

What is the thickness of the sword in the OP Marc?

My example below does not have the reinforcements near the grip and it goes from a 3mm spine near the grip to 2mm near the tip, which seems too thin for a sword meant for use. I assume it is a ceremonial example (according to the seller it was originally a gift to a German diplomat).

[Tim Simmons]

Very nice had one many years ago.

[Jim McDougall]

Well noted Marc, it does seem this form has one of the most distinctly associated purposes, while there do seem to be a degree of variations.
It seems like it would not be necessary to create such elaborate designs for a simply functional execution sword, however the symbolism is essential to create the psychological dynamics of its use.

The dramatic effect of the sword seems to be enhanced by key symbols and designs representing the power and authority of the chiefs and ruling entities of the people. It is truly amazing as you say, to see the creativity of the human psyche in the developing of such symbolism and dogma in cultures.

It is the western perceptions of these African cultures that have created all the lore and so called mysteries that have prevailed, much as noted by Christopher Spring. The often wildly elaborate designs and contours of the so called 'throwing knives' (some actually were used in that manner) are key example.

I have thought that perhaps some of these designs were deliberately elaborate to instill fear through omenous appearance, which was important in the manner of tribal confrontations. As mentioned sorcery and magic were powerfully held beliefs in these cultures, and the shapes suggested that blades were imbued with these powers. Possibly the interesting designs on the blades symbolically showed the presence of these entities.

These aspects of many ethnographic weapon forms are patently avoided in scholarly studies in most cases because metaphysical beliefs and such occult presences in decoration and design are outside empirical study methods.
Still we can develop reasonable theories through in depth study of the individual cultures which might help us understand these things.

[Pertinax]

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

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by werecow

What is the thickness of the sword in the OP Marc?

My example below does not have the reinforcements near the grip and it goes from a 3mm spine near the grip to 2mm near the tip, which seems too thin for a sword meant for use. I assume it is a ceremonial example (according to the seller it was originally a gift to a German diplomat).

Thickness of on ngulu is against the handle 3.6 mm, not that much thicker than your specimen. In the attached photo , the last and my first ngulu. The difference is very obvious how solid the blade of the left ngulu is versus the right one. Both your ngulu and my first specimen are indeed ceremonial.
I estimate both to be around the mid-20th century.
Regards
Marc

[Marc M.]

Photograph of a staged execution.

[Pertinax]

Thanks to Marc for the info.
These knives were a more stable "currency" than cowrie shells.