Ceremonial / Prestige Object
Mafa (Matakam), Nigeria / Cameroon
Iron, leather, rattan
Early 20th century

The blacksmiths of the so-called Kirdi people of the Mandara mountains of northern Cameroon and eastern Nigeria produced a fascinating variety of heavy knives that were used as prestige symbols (Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984).

Elsen says these prestige weapons were part of the ceremonial dress of adult men, raised during official events, but also used "for strolling in public" (De fer et de fierté, 2003).

While I have not encountered another example of this type to confirm the cultural attribution, there are a number of important similarities this piece shares with Mafa blades:

• Incisions on both sides of the blade

• Incisions are thick and deep

• Thick, heavy construction with squared stem

• Cane strips used as the warp underneath the woven grip

• Materials and weaving design of the grip (see another here)

Weight: 813g

26.75 in :: 70 cm

InventoryID #13-2950

Price on Request