Curved Sword
Kru / Grebo / Dan / Ngere, Liberia / Ivory Coast
Iron, wood, accumulation
19th century

Numerous examples of this very distinct knife were photographed and collected on the border of Liberia and the Ivory Coast. Most are attributed to the Kru of Liberia, but Blandin reports collecting examples in western Ivory Coast, near the Liberian border. While little information about meaning and function was recorded, photographs show these knives being conspicuously brandished (Blandin, Fer Noir, 1992; Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

This piece is unusual for its particularly heavy patina. The wood handle is also uncommonly dry. The environment that created the accumulation on the blade is surely the same cause for the extremely dry handle. Being stored near a kitchen for years is one hypothesis that comes to mind. 

20.75 in :: 53 cm

InventoryID #13-2952

Price on Request