Jul 1, 2009
Jul 1, 2009

Knife

Knife

c. 1900

Iron, wood, copper alloy, upholstery studs, plant fibers, and rawhide

Overall: 57.2 cm (22 1/2 in.); Blade: 41.4 cm (16 5/16 in.)

Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.743

Location

Description

This beautifully wrought knife served as a symbol of political authority among the Ngala. Quite literally it signified the power of life and death for its form was derived from that of an executioner's knife.

See also

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