Boa Short Sword "Mambeli," D.R. Congo
Boa Short Sword "Mambeli," D.R. Congo
$495.00
Short Sword Mambeli
Boa / Angba / Hanga, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, brass
Early 20th century
19.25 x 2 in. / 49 x 5 cm
Height on display stand: 20.25 in. / 51 cm
In addition to being a functional blade, the mambeli short sword served as a symbol of prestige and as an object of currency. Most were carried under the belt without a sheath; examples with a sheath are rare. While their dimensions vary considerably—from 8 to 36 inches—the size of the handle is always relatively small. (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003).
Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.