Knife
Unknown Artist
c. 1900
Medium
Iron, wood, copper alloy, upholstery studs, plant fibers, and rawhide
Dimensions
l. 57.2 cm · blade: l. 41.4 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
African Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of J. H. Wade
Accession Number
1916.743
About this artwork
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.