Sword

Item number K4.269 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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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.