Sword Item Number: K2.435 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A metal sword with a male head finial that has bulging eyes and a head piece which wraps around at the end of the handle. Underneath the head, there is a pattern of two protruding, four grooved, two protruding, and four grooved horizontal ridges along the cylindrical handle itself. The blade is incised with geometric patterns consisting of quadrangles with cross hatch marks within, wave-like curls, and dots, as well as a floral pattern with leaves.
History Of Use
An umuozo was a traditional weapon used in the Benin Kingdom and was used in early historical battles. Warriors who carried them would be on the front line, as the weapons were capable of weakening the opposing forces.
Iconographic Meaning
The head design on the finial symbolizes the wielder.
Specific Techniques
Made with the cire-perdue or lost-wax method. The mould is made of beeswax, covered with clay, and then fired. The wax melts and the hollow clay cast is then filled with scraps of copper-based alloy, before being fired for a second time.
Item History
- Made in West Africa, Africa
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before 1972
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) during 1972
What
- Name
- Sword
- Identification Number
- K2.435
- Type of Item
- sword
- Material
- bronze metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast
- Overall
- height 9.0 cm, width 53.0 cm, depth 4.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- West African
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- West Africa, Africa
When
- Ownership Date
- before 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during 1972
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0160/0106