Photographs © Hamill Gallery

LUBA / NKUTSHU / BINJI / LULUA
SHORT SWORD 66
Forged iron, wood
23 1/2" high x 6 3/4" wide x 1 1/2" deep with sheath
21" high x 4 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" deep without sheath
DRC
$400

"The carving style of the handle and design of the sheath, identify this as a second generation piece.

This short sword with its formidable blade was used as a chief's insignia among the Luba, Nkutshu, Binji and Lulua. The iron blade, forged with symmetrical curved lines in relief, demonstrates the mastery of the Luba blacksmiths. For from local iron, this is considered the classic Luba style (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Wipplinger, Foreign Gods, 2016)."

---Ethan Rider www.ertribal.com