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Central African Kondo/Ikakalaka Sword with Hide Sheath. 21093. - 21093
The African Konda sword is one of the most fearsome-looking swords in the world. This terrifying-looking blade was created in the 19th century and is often called the Ikakalaka. It has become a staple of popular culture in the 21st century thanks to its blade design and shape. Although it may look ceremonial, the Konda could effectively cut, slash, and thrust. Hourglass handle. The Konda or Ikakalaka African sword is made of iron and steel and has a straight, double-edged blade. The style of this type of sword was fairly common in the African art of swords, designed to distinguish itself and be a prestige sword. Konda or Ikakalaka swords are primarily made to be one-handed weapons, which explains the small hourglass-shaped handle. The handle acts as a form of protection for the user’s hand while allowing a firm grip when held. Whether Western, Central African, or as far away as the Indonesian islands, swords made with intricate details were one of the best ceremonial and prestigious tools to own. That is why the Konda was one of the most popular emblems of leadership commonly seen on many tribal chiefs throughout the Konda peoples of Congo In Congo, even in the early 20th century, a lot of trade was going on without the use of coins or modern currency. A very high item of value that could buy many things was made out of metal, which made the Konda a prized possession used in trade. Some highly religious and ceremonial acts that used the Konda sword throughout Africa were sacrificial, and others included bringing a better harvest or hunt. At times they were used as a method of punishment for a criminal or a wrong-doer. Some African swords, like the Ngombe and Konda, were excellent decapitating tools, making them a popular executioner’s sword. Despite being linked to nobility and high-ranking members of Congo, the Konda was a useful tool in battle. Its double-edge blade was effective for slashing and piercing through flesh. Blade length; 36 ½ cm with the tang running through the hardwood hourglass shaped handle, overall length; 54 cm. The blade is; 8 ¼ cm at its widest and 5 ¼ cm at its narrowest point. The blade is dressed with tribal/ceremonial markings engraved into the metalwork. The sheath is made from wood and covered in animal hide with decorative stitching running throughout, and two large wicker bound handles either side. The Konda sword is now among the most well-known blade in popular culture, rivaling the Japanese Katana. The price for this impressive piece includes UK delivery. 21093. (Bottom shelf right hand side)
£245.00

Victorian Hand Crafted African Zulu Warrior’s Large Tropical Hard Wood Knobkerrie / War Club Formed From The Heart Wood (Strongest Part) Of The Tree With Iron Wire Binding. Sn 15012 - 15012
A Circa 19th Century Zulu Warrior’s large knobkerrie. Knobkerrie, also spelled knopkierie or knobkerry, are clubs used mainly in Southern and Eastern Africa. Typically they have a large knob at one end and can be used for throwing at animals in hunting or for clubbing an enemy's head. This knobkierie is hand crafted from the ‘heart wood’ (strongest part of the tree) of a tropical hard wood tree to form the knob and crafted to create the shaft. The club measures 29” in length. The bulbous ‘hammer’ head is 3” diameter & would create devastating injuries if used as a weapon. The well-defined heart wood can clearly be seen in image 2. The hammer head and shaft have stable surface cracks, knocks and bumps to be expected with age. The shaft has a 2 ½” section of original iron wire binding at the top end where it meets the hammer head. The price for this knobkerrie includes delivery. Sn 15012
£275.00

19th Century Authentic Large Fighting Knife / Axe of the Mangbetu Tribe of Central Africa with Ivory Grip. Sn 14318 - 14318
A 19th Century authentic original fighting knife / axe of the Mangbetu people residing in Central Africa. The Mangbetu stood out to European explorers because of their elongated heads. Traditionally, babies' heads were wrapped tightly with cloth in order to give them this distinctive appearance. The practice, called Lipombo, began dying out in the 1950s with the arrival of more Europeans and westernisation. The Mangbetu are known for their highly developed art and music. One instrument associated with and named after them is the Mangbetu harp or guitar. Many recent studies feature the Mangbetu as a historically cannibalistic people. According to Mangbetu men interviewed in the documentary Spirits of Defiance: The Mangbetu People of Zaire it appears that many Mangbetu currently believe their ancestors to have practiced cannibalism. The knife was originally used as a weapon of war and also as an agricultural implement, but later on developed into a luxury item and a symbol of status and authority. This one is a 19th century one with a large sickle shaped blade. It measures 10 1/2" (point to point diagonally) and 15 1/4" overall from top to bottom. It is very nicely forged. The original blackening of the steel with the polished edges is maintained. There are three holes in the blade. It has a one piece ivory grip with very good yellowish age patina. The grip is secure. Sn 14318
£475.00

Early 1900's African Masai Lion Spear With Long 54cm Leaf Shaped Blade With Raised Medial Ridge , Short Central Haft And Spike Butt. Sn 13653 - 13653
Early 1900's African Masai Lion stabbing spear with 54cm long steel leaf shaped blade (73" overall length) weighing 1.9 kg. A spear is a pole weapon used for stabbing with iron or fire-hardened tip. The use of various types of the spear was widespread all over Africa and it was the most common weapon used before the introduction of firearms. The Zulu and other Nguni tribes of South Africa were renowned for their use of the spear. The spear was not only the most commonest weapon in Africa but was also used as a form of currency, tribes smelting iron spear heads traded the spear heads to their less skilful neighbours. This weapon has a 54 mm (21 1/4") long blade with a medial ridge along it's length, it is 33" including the socket for the haft. It has a short central 6" visible haft and a further iron 33" stabbing pike butt. The iron blade and spike are 'forced fit' onto the haft. The haft is plain hard wood and has been hand worked with a linear pattern. This is a very nice example. (See 'A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armour in all Countries and in All Times' book by George Cameron Stone, Pages 572-573). The price includes UK delivery. Sn 13653
£275.00

A Congo Ikula Tribal Fighting Knife With Leaf Shaped Blade & Handle decorated With Small Pieces Of Inset White Metal . Sn 12501 - 12501
An original Congo Ikula fighting knife. The knife has a 9 ¼” leaf-shaped blade with broad medial ridge and inside with tramline decoration. It has the correct characteristic carved wooden hilt inset with small pieces of white metal in a geometric design and swollen disc pommel. The knife measures 13 ½” overall length. Price includes UK delivery. Sn 12501
£275.00

South China Sea Pirate’s Polynesian Pole Arm Spear Recovered By British Master Mariner G.U. Richard After A Tramp Steamer Pirate Raid With Provenance From A Family Member Outlining Richards Career & The Weapon’s Capture. Sn 11077 - 11077
This is an original, rare, C1890 Native Polynesian Pole arm / Spear. These weapons often came into the hands of Pirates and used in the South China Sea, Shanghai, Java & Sumatra regions to attack Merchant Ships. This original Native Polynesian Pole Arm Spear was recovered by British Master Mariner G.U. Richard after a Pirate raid on his Tramp Steamer in the South China Sea. A Great Nephew of Richard has provided a note containing detail regarding the circumstances of the weapon’s capture and his Great Uncle’s career. He describes his Great Uncle as a Master Mariner who owned and skippered his own Tramp Steamer in the 1890’s operating between Liverpool and Shanghai. It was during this time that Richard’s Ship came under Pirate attack in the South China Sea. The attack was repelled by the crew and the Pirate’s weapons including this Polynesian Pole Arm Spear were recovered, either from captured Pirates or from the deck of the ship where abandoned by the attackers. Richard later took up the role of Harbour Master at Kowloon before retiring to Tideswell in Derbyshire England. Richard is described as ‘A bit of a card’ and as having ‘lost a fortune on slow horses and fast Women’. Richard appears to have been fortunate to have lived through his sailing days as he was apprentice at the helm during the ‘Wreck Of Barque Ann Gambles’ off New Zealand (Information available on the internet). This weapon along with others came into the possession of the family when at the turn of the Century Richard visited his kin in Pendleton, Salford, England. The weapon subsequently came into the possession of the Nephew in 1957 and remained with him until acquired by us. The spear typical of the Native Polynesian Spear form measures 87" overall. The Spear's 10 3/4 " long elegant leaf shaped steel blade has a full length medial ridge and is undamaged with nice patina throughout. It has a 7” ornately hand beaten decorated brass ferrule and is securely attached to a hand crafted dark wood shaft. The lower section of the shaft has hand tooled decoration. The shaft and blade are straight (the full length image illustrated appears slightly warped however this is due to image sizing not the shape of the weapon). A copy of the note from the family accompanies the weapon. Price for this weapon which is a great conversation piece & would make an excellent addition to any Ethnic collection or display includes UK delivery. Sn 11077
£495.00

Early 1900's African, Masai Spear Head With Wood 'Mid' Shaft. W 670. - W 670
This is an original, rare, early 1900's African, Masai spear head with wood 'mid' shaft (it is without lower shaft). The spear head and present shaft measure 48" overall. The Spears 26 1/2 " long elegant leaf shaped blade has a full length medial ridge and is undamaged with nice patina throughout. It is securely attached to a hand crafted dark wood shaft. The shaft tapers at it's lower end where the lower metal part of the shaft would be fitted. Price for this nice, original, Masai Spear which would make an excellent addition to any Ethnic collection or display includes UK delivery. W 670.
£0.00

Beautiful Malayan Kris Knife. - W 14
A superb quality carved and polished wooden handle, with inlaid silver and gold wire and cut white stones. A typical wavy Kris blade and a quality rope bound wood and brass scabbard. W 14
£175.00
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