Sword Item Number: K4.269 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Sword (a) with sheath (b); wooden sheath with a series of ridges down one side and a round flat base. The entire sheath is covered with black leather sewn up the back. Roughly hammered blade with reptile skin-covered grip decorated with brass tacks. Elaborate pattern of metal strips and bosses complete handle.
History Of Use
Luba blades and weapons usually feature broad, hammered blades that are uniformly wide. A sword like this one would have been used primarily in combat. Although the extensively detailed decorations on the hilt and sheath indiciate the bearer had a certain level of wealth. This is additionally supported based on the value placed on ironworking in Luba society. It was associated with the elite because of the plentiful iron ore deposits available in the region, making it a culturally important practice. The art of metalworking served as a metaphor in the community social structure– the blacksmith transforms metal into useful objects, just as a king is transformed from an ordinary person into a superhuman being.
Item History
- Made in Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Owned by British Museum before August 1960
- Received from British Museum (Exchanger) during August 1960
What
- Name
- Sword
- Identification Number
- K4.269 a-b
- Type of Item
- sword
- Material
- leather skin, metal and skin
- Overall
- height 71.0 cm, width 13.0 cm, depth 2.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Luba
- Previous Owner
- British Museum
- Received from
- British Museum (Exchanger)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
When
- Ownership Date
- before August 1960
- Acquisition Date
- during August 1960
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0022/0015 a a-b