• Boa / Benge / Mongelima Culture

• Iron, wood, copper

• Early 20th century (iron), Mid 20th century (handle and wrap)

• 35 x 10 in. / 89 x 25 cm

• Height on custom display stand: 36.25 in. / 92 cm

Large sickle weapons comparable to this pervade the northern D.R. Congo and Central African Republic. This variation was most commonly found among the Mongelima and Boa, but was also known to be used by the Hanga, Angba, and Mba, while the Benge reportedly manufactured this type as well. This piece is elaborately incised from top to bottom, clearly marking it as an object of high prestige rather than one of function (Elsen, Tribal Arms Monographs, Vol. 1 No. 1, 1996).

The handle on this example is a vintage replacement. Because the blades were so expensive to manufacture, replacement handles were commonly made as wood handles wore out.

Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.

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