- 151
Mangbetu Knife, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description
- metal, wood
- Length including blade: 9 in (22.9 cm)
namambele.
Provenance
Private Belgian Collection
Patrick Dierickx, Brussels, acquired from the above
Michael Oliver, New York, acquired from the above
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired from the above
Patrick Dierickx, Brussels, acquired from the above
Michael Oliver, New York, acquired from the above
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired from the above
Condition
Very good condition for an object of this age and type. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, and abrasions from age and use. Age crack to front of neck as visible in catalogue photograph, branching into two cracks in hilt at 90 degree angles. Another age crack to proper left bottom of neck extending into hilt. Bent end of metal pin for attachment of blade emerging from forehead. Minor chipping around edge of hilt. Blade with oxidation. White number "3??" (possibly "308") at back of metal block above blade. Exceptionally fine honey brown wood patina to handle.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Schildkrout and Keim (1990:148) note: "Mangbetu blacksmiths made a great variety of knives, each with a particular name and some with a distinctive use. Men wore new knives fastened to their belts as decorations and symbols of status. [...] By the early colonial period these knives were being made with anthropomorphic handles. Often the carved head was made by someone other than the blacksmith." The present namambele dagger bears a finely-carved anthropomorphic handle representing the head of a woman with the characteristic Mangbetu ruling-class headdress and geometric scarification or body painting.