AFRICAN WEAPONS AND WEAPON FORMS

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.

KUBA "Ikula" Knives

NGOMBE Prestige Swords

KUBA Mongo Knives

POTO Knives

VARIOUS Knives

MANGBETU Knives

MAFA(MATAKAM) Sengese Knives

AKAN Afena Swords

LOBALA Prestige Swords

NKUTSU Speartips Catalog

VARIOUS Throwing Knives

BENIN Objects

VARIOUS Throwing Knives

KUBA Spears SOLD

BAMANA Lance 4 SOLD

TARUMBA "Spear" Currency SOLD

AFRICAN HELMETS Catalog

AFRICAN WARRIOR Exhibition

AFRICAN WARRIORS Exhibition

AFRICAN WARRIORS Exhibition

AFRICAN SHIELDS Catalog

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.

All of these are as we obtained them. Many of the currencies, especially, are 19th C. and 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.

If you are looking for a particular tribe or object pleases check our alphabetical list of images and catalogs.