April 5, 2024
Ngombe Ngala Ceremonial Executioner's Sword, Congo, Africa
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Original Ngombe "Executioner" Sword, also called "ngala" sword; all iron blade, semi-rigid; wood grip. Used by the Ngombe people of the Congo (aka Zaire) Africa; believed circa early 1900.These so-called executioner's swords are "dramatic, elaborate knives...used as ceremonial pieces over a wide area of what is now DR Congo, formerly Zaire. They were also used in ceremonial executions of slaves, and there is a gory and awful description of an execution in 1883. For an article on these, and several similar examples, see NGOLA-THE WEAPON AS AUTHORITY, IDENTITY AND RITUAL OBJECT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA, by Norman Hurst".Overall length is ~28"; single-edged semi-rigid sharply curved blade is ~19" in length, double fullered, heavily decorated; blade is sharp.Scattered light surface pitting and oxidation; nonetheless, a very good example of the African Ngombe ngala sword and in good condition. This piece is from an older collection that was in storage for about thirty years before I acquired it about four years ago.NOTE: No scabbard.Sold as is, so e-mail with any questions prior to bidding.
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