Executioner's Prestige Knife Currency Congo

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

Damage/Repair: Oxidation, rust, dirt,

These well designed knives with a single cutting edge were used by the Ngombe and Ngala people as ceremonial and parade pieces over a wide area of what is now DRCongo, formerly Zaire. Used by chiefs and social elites, they indicated rank and social standing. Women of the nearby Ngbaka have also been noted carrying similar swords during ceremonies. Though primarily known for public display in recent times they were originally used in ceremonial executions of slaves. A Belgian 'explorer' provided a description of an execution that he witnessed in 1883 in which a sword of this type was used in a particularly efficient manner. This is a fine example of the type in good condition with the well forged iron blade and wrapping of the handle intact.

AG0623