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Ngala execution knife 07.05.707

The Ngombe tribe traded these swords widely. Sometimes you may see them called "Ngulu" or "Ngala", which is short for "Bangala", a station on the Congo River set up in the 19th C. The ethnic group in that area, the Mongo, traded for these swords with the Ngombe despite their history as sworn enemies. The swords were used primarily as ceremonial pieces in the execution of slaves, often to conclude a peace agreement between two warring tribes. Colonial Belgium forbid execution and cannibalism, previously widespread in that area of the Congo. Goats substituted for human slaves in the ritual. By the mid-20th C. these swords were used by the Ngombe in a dance called "Likbeti" which could last two days. It culminates in the sacrifice of a goat and its consumption by the revelers. (Reference: Nelson, Samuel H. Colonialism in the Congo Basin, 1880-1940. Athens, OH: Ohio University Center for International Studies, 1994. Print. Africa Ser., No. 64.)

  • Ref.:07.05.707
  • Size:Height: 660 mm
  • Weight:510 gr

Category

  • Congo & Gabon 07.05Knives & daggers 08.02West-, Central- & North Africa 29.01
  • AFRICAN TRIBAL CURRENCIES 07ARMS & TOOLS 08REGIONAL GALLERIES 29

Origin

  • West and Central Africa
  • CONGO KINSHASA
  • Mangbetu

Material

  • MetalIron

Quality

  • High aesthetic valueFair condition (some missing, broken or repaired parts, see pictures)Original condition

385.00
CHF
$
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