Knife
Item number Ai1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
Item number Ai1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.
The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.
These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Large steel knife with round carved wooden handle. Triangular blade with point at right angles to handle. Sharp on all edges. Two holes in centre of blade.
Curved trumbash knives are a status symbol in Mangbetu communities. They display the high social status of the bearer. For community leaders, the trumbash functions as an extension of the arm used to gesture while speaking, distinguishing them as powerful individuals. The main purpose of these knives is ceremonial – they function as a display of wealth and authority. Knives like these may also have been used as currency at certain times, having been given as gifts between different communities. In some contexts, they may have been used as general bush-knives, but this is not their main purpose. This knife was described by the donor as having been owned by “King Icibondo”.
Iron for knives is hammered and shaped by smiths. Smiths are considered special people who are isolated from the tribe because of their association with fire. The handle, once carved, would be sanded with abrasive leaves and oiled with fat (usually goat's butterfat). The making of tools has ritual taboos and associations.
Ultilitarian; ceremonial
This data has been provided to the RRN by the MOA: University of British Columbia. We've used it to provide the information on the Data tab.
Large steel knife with round carved wooden handle. Triangular blade with point at right angles to handle. Sharp on all edges. Two holes in centre of blade.
Iron for knives is hammered and shaped by smiths. Smiths are considered special people who are isolated from the tribe because of their association with fire. The handle, once carved, would be sanded with abrasive leaves and oiled with fat (usually goat's butterfat). The making of tools has ritual taboos and associations.
Curved trumbash knives are a status symbol in Mangbetu communities. They display the high social status of the bearer. For community leaders, the trumbash functions as an extension of the arm used to gesture while speaking, distinguishing them as powerful individuals. The main purpose of these knives is ceremonial – they function as a display of wealth and authority. Knives like these may also have been used as currency at certain times, having been given as gifts between different communities. In some contexts, they may have been used as general bush-knives, but this is not their main purpose. This knife was described by the donor as having been owned by “King Icibondo”.
Ultilitarian; ceremonial
Let the RRN community answer your questions
With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account
Share your knowlege of this item with the RRN community
With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account