AFRICAN KNIVES, SWORDS, AXES and SPEARS

Those objects that have been vetted as authentic by outside experts (Christophe Rolley, Edith Mbella, Daniel Mato, Rand Ningali, Phil Warish and Ethan Rider) are labelled as such. Objects made for the market are labelled accordingly, and objects in our archives or on pages no longer on our website should be assumed to be inauthentic if not otherwise labelled.

AKAN Swords

KUBA Axes

KOTA Knives

VARIOUS Knives

KUBA Mongo Knives

AFRICAN Axes

VARIOUS Knives

TUAREG Blades

MANGBETU Knives

KUBA "Ikula" Knives

NGOMBE Prestige Swords

AFRICAN Axes Catalog

MAFA Sengese Knives

LOBI Iron Knife Bells

VARIOUS Throwing Knives

BENIN Objects

VARIOUS Throwing Knives

LOBALA Prestige Swords

AFRICAN Currencies 1

BENIN Objects

AFRICAN Currencies

Throwing Knives

VARIOUS Knives

YORUBA Knives Catalog

POTO Knife Currency

BANGALA Currency Catalog

MANGBETU Prestige Knives

VARIOUS Throwing Knives

TARUMBA "Spear" Currency

MUMUYE Currency Catalog

BAMANA Lance 4 27.5", $350

ASANTE Knives Catalog

NKUTSU Spear tips Catalog

TARUMBA "Spear" Currency

Knives, axes, currency blades and spears, most made of forged iron, attest to the skills in metal of the blacksmiths of many traditional African peoples. Most exhibit an inventive variety of form and workmanship far beyond what was functionally necessary. Some functioned as weapons. Many , however, were solely for ceremonial or ritual use, or displayed for prestige or status. The largest selections also served as currency, with forms made in the style of weapons, but not functional.

Some forms have become famous and popular and are now made to be sold.

All of these are as we obtained them. Many of the currencies, especially, will exhibit some rust or erosion. Some collectors and dealers prefer the knives highly cleaned, even ground down to the raw metal, then polished. This can be done to any of our knives but it is not a reversible process and we do not do it.