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NGOMBE Sickle Blade 69 29.5" high $450

NGOMBE Sickle Blade 70 25.75" high $400

NGOMBE Sickle Blade 11 27.5" high $300

NGOMBE Sickle Blade 17 27" high $300

NGOMBE Sickle Blade 18 26" high $250

NGOMBE Sickle Blade 22 23" high $250

NGOMBE Sickle Blade 32 29" high $300

NGOMBE Sickle Blade 48 31.5" high $300

NGOMBE Sickle Blade 49 29" high $300

NGOMBE Sickle Blade 57 24.5" high $300

The Ngulu sickle blade (also called Ngolo, Ngwolo, M'Bolo, Gulu, Ntsaka, Bwakoya, or Mbeli na Banz) is often erroneously labeled an "executioner's knife" in the Western world. While many stories purport the use of these blades in executions of animals and humans, such stories seem to be more the work of the Westerners intent on depicting the savagery of primitive Africa (indeed, the zeitgeist of the early 20th century) rather than the whole truth. Manufactured by the Ngombe ("men of the forest"), the Ngulu is a heavily decorated asymmetrical iron blade with an embellished wooden handle that is exuberant and beautiful. Gosseau asserts these blades were insignias of prestige, ceremonial dance implements, and valuables used for exchange (currency).

Interestingly, Gosseau describes in detail the process by which these blades were incised: "engravings are made by chasing a pointed hammer with another hammer along the heated blade. On the edge side, a think line - actually a succession of short strokes engraved on the cold blade with a sharp metallic tool - runs along the whole length" (Gosseau, Tribal Arms Monographs, Vol. 1/No. 2, 1997).

-----Ethan Rider

GO TO NGOMBE NGULU SICKLE BLADES ARCHIVES PAGE (ALL SOLD)

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MJM03302017