Knife

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This iron beheading knife was made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. It dates from the late 19th century.

The blade is crescent shaped and the grip is bound with iron or brass ribbon. The elaborate three-tiered pommel is studded with brass-headed nails.

Christianity and colonisation had a great impact on artistic forms in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The carving of ritual objects became commercialised and music and dance altered as a result of the introduction of Western instruments and musical styles.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-047-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1924.607
• Date: Late 19th century
  
• Material: Iron and brass
  
• Dimensions: 26.25" L
  
• What:
• Subject: Knives, daggers and swords
  
• Who:
• Where: Central Africa, Belgian Congo
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron beheadal knife with crescentic pointed blade on scalloped shaft, iron or brass ribbon grip and elaborate decorated three tiered pommel: Central Africa, Belgian Congo
  
• References:
• Translations:
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