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Knife

c. 1900 · Iron, wood, copper alloy, upholstery studs, plant fibers, and rawhide

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

This beautifully wrought knife served as a symbol of political authority among the Ngala. Quite literally it signified the power of life and death for its form was derived from that of an executioner's knife.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description

Credit lineKnife, c. 1900. Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangala-style maker. Iron, wood, copper alloy, upholstery studs, plant fibers, and rawhide; overall: 57.2 cm (22 1/2 in.); blade: 41.4 cm (16 5/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of J. H. Wade, 1916.743

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