Sacred Insignia Blade Cimpaba or Tshiphaaba
Woyo / Kakongo / Yombe, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, lead
Early 20th century

This sacred blade, known as Cimpaba or Tshiphaaba, was used by the Woyo, Kakongo, and Yombe. The symbolism of the closed hand and designs on the blade most likely invoked a specific allegory that was meaningful to the culture (Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009). 

According to Faik-Nzuji, these knives were kept under lock and key and only used in important political and religious events such as the funeral or new appointment of a chief, or to serve witness during the testimonies at the royal or princely court (La Puissance du sacré: L'homme, la nature, et l'art en Afrique noire, 1993).

This blade has a wood finial attached to an iron blade with a thin lead sheet. Both sides of the blade are corroded - one side displays heavy pitting and is darker, and the other side also shows many signs or corrosion, but also sanding. This side was clearly sanded down to remove blemishes and to polish the surface, but both sides remain very uneven. 

18.25 in :: 46 cm

InventoryID #13-2884

Price on Request