Swords a la Portuguese ... Part two

Pieje · 25th October 2017, 01:55 PM

These are indeed what they call “ethnographical Mbele a Lulendo swords”, based on the Portuguese swords introduced at the Bakongo kingdom as early as end of 15th century.
First the original Portuguese swords, than imported European blades (Germany, Italy..), later fully locally made. These had a great symbolic function and were used by chiefs, often buried with them after their death, as those found in Kindoki (Bas-Congo).
Later these were placed next to the tomb of a dead chief, which resulted in the loss of the lower part of the blade. I once owned three of these rare swords, but I only kept one in my collection.

fernando · 25th October 2017, 04:41 PM

Thank you Pieje,
I see that you confirm the prior introduction to these swords origin.
The two examples you posted are apparently fully localy made. Tell me, which is the one you still have with you ?

Pieje · 25th October 2017, 11:00 PM

This one with (dark) ivory handle and locally made blade.

Pieje · 25th October 2017, 11:03 PM

However I suspect the other one to have a European blade?

fernando · 17th December 2017, 08:24 PM

Part 3 continues HERE

25th October 2017, 01:55 PM	#1
Pieje Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 132	These are indeed what they call “ethnographical Mbele a Lulendo swords”, based on the Portuguese swords introduced at the Bakongo kingdom as early as end of 15th century. First the original Portuguese swords, than imported European blades (Germany, Italy..), later fully locally made. These had a great symbolic function and were used by chiefs, often buried with them after their death, as those found in Kindoki (Bas-Congo). Later these were placed next to the tomb of a dead chief, which resulted in the loss of the lower part of the blade. I once owned three of these rare swords, but I only kept one in my collection. Attached Images

25th October 2017, 11:00 PM	#3
Pieje Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 132	This one with (dark) ivory handle and locally made blade. Attached Images

25th October 2017, 11:03 PM	#4
Pieje Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 132	However I suspect the other one to have a European blade? Attached Images

25th October 2017, 04:41 PM	#2
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,647	Thank you Pieje, I see that you confirm the prior introduction to these swords origin. The two examples you posted are apparently fully localy made. Tell me, which is the one you still have with you ?

17th December 2017, 08:24 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,647	Part 3 continues HERE