Knife with curved blade, with small stabbing blade attached, figurated handle with two heads.

Images(2)

Ceremonial knife

Artist Sierra Leonean Artist

Date20th century

Place of originSierra Leone, Africa

PurchasedSierra Leone, Africa

MediumIron, wood, brass

DimensionsOverall: 11 1/4 x 6 5/8 x 1 1/4 in. (28.58 x 16.83 x 3.18 cm)

ClassificationsFurnishings and Equipment

Credit LineGift of Robin and Donna Poynor

Object number2023.30.6

Collections

AFRICAN

Visual DescriptionKnife with curved blade, with small stabbing blade attached, figurated handle with two heads.

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Forged 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).

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