Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Foad Seyed Mohammadi

Images(4)

Ceremonial knife

Artist Fon Artist

Date20th century

Made/manufacturedBenin, Africa

MediumBrass and metal (possibly iron)

Dimensions11 × 5 in. (27.9 × 12.7 cm)

ClassificationsFurnishings and Equipment

Credit LineGift of Drs. John and Nicole Dintenfass, in honor of Susan Cooksey

Object number2020.31

Collections

AFRICAN

Descriptionorged curved blade with blunt end, and cast brass handle; cut out depiction of a chameleon on the inner curve, and cross cut-out in center of blade, with words engraved above: MK Balogu; Kent I of AL on one side and 23. 9 47 XX MK Balogu AL on the opposite side. Engraved images of fish, serpents and possibly a frog, with borders of small circles. Edge of blade has rings, possible for attaching crotal bells (now missing).