Figural Knife

Item

Accession Number: 2021.6
Title: Figural Knife
Ethnic Group: Tabwa
Subject: Figure|Ritual|Central Africa
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date: 20th century
Medium: Wood|Iron|Palm Oil
Format: H x W x D: 8.25 x 1 x 2.25 in. (20.955 x 2.54 x 5.715 cm)
Description: Figural knife with iron blade and hilt in the form of a kneeling woman. The figure shows a typical long coiffure, natural facial features a long neck, a long torso with vertical scarification, small breasts, and long arms touching the abdomen; she kneels on a pedestal. The figure is carved from semi-hardwood and is stained and patinated. The end of the metal blade is bent upward.