Ceremonial knife, Africa, 1920s

This exceptional ornamental or prestige dagger from the 1920s features a forged iron blade with a heavily corroded, expressive surface. Comparable objects are known from various regions of Central and West Africa and are associated, among others, with the Lobi and Mossi of Burkina Faso. Such daggers and knives did not serve a purely practical function; they could also serve as symbols of status and dignity or be used during ceremonial and ritual occasions. The striking craftsmanship and the patina developed over decades give the object its distinctive archaic character. An impressive example of traditional African blacksmithing from the early 20th century.

Dimensions

Length: 30 cm | Width: 4 cm

Manufacturer
Afrikanisches Kunsthandwerk

Designer

Material
Eisenklinge