Short Sword in Elaborate Sheath
Chokwe / Lunda, Angola / Zambia
Iron, wood, leather, brass, copper
19th century

According to Beauté Fatale, the sword in this rare, elaborate ensemble was known as Mukwale and the sheath Cindalo (Duvosquel & Deraeve, 1992). 

Around 1860, following a major famine, the Chokwe migrated and settled in Angola. They were governed by a king known as Mwana Ngana, who distributed hunting grounds and cultivated areas. The male Mugonge and female Ukule societies regulated social life (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998).

Collected by Alexovi Lenain from Farciennes, Belgium. Lenain worked in D.R. Congo for the Compagnie du Kasai 1906-09, and 1910-12.

26.125 in :: 66.5 cm

InventoryID #13-3042

Price on Request