Details

Title

Ceremonial Knife and Sheath

Artist/Maker

Ngbandi Artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Date

Late nineteenth to early twentieth century

Medium

Iron, brass, and copper

Dimensions

16 x 5 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches

Credit

Gift of Sergio S. Dolfi

Accession #

2002.154

On View

On View - Stent Family Wing, Skyway, Gallery 401

Abstraction and anthropomorphism combine to animate this ceremonial knife and sheath from central Africa. When Europeans first encountered peoples of this region, they were struck by their strong aesthetic sensibility, especially as reflected in dress, body adornment, and elaborate coiffures. This beautifully crafted knife, a prestige object made of costly metals, and its accompanying sheath exemplify this highly refined aesthetic sensibility.

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