Sword. Songye, Democratic Republic of Congo, 19th century.

Sword. Songye, Democratic Republic of Congo, 19th century.
Wood, steel, copper inlay on the blade.
Provenance :- Louise Peyron or Edgar Reuterskiöld, Sweden - Peter Willborg, Stockholm, Sweden
Measurements: 58 cm. length.

This sword, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an example of the Songye people's skill in creating ceremonial and symbolic weapons. This sword was much more than a weapon: in the context of Songye culture, it was an object of great symbolic value, used both in ceremonies and to denote social or spiritual status within the community. The hilt is carved in wood, with rounded moldings, and the steel blade is decorated with copper inlays that embellish the weapon to the type that carry a certain ritual and spiritual value.