Ngbandi Forged Iron Prestige Spears with Copper and Brass Wire, Set of Four

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ngbandi. A set of four spears with hand-forged iron heads includes long leaf-shaped blades with a raised central ridge and a broad spade-form head whose shoulders curve in toward a split, hammered socket. Each head is fitted onto a long shaft, and several spears end in an iron butt spike so the weapon can stand upright or be driven into the ground. Wires of copper, brass, and iron are wound tightly around the grips. The amount of metal on these spears goes well beyond what a working weapon needs. They were likely carried as prestige objects and may also have served as a form of currency, showing the owner’s wealth and standing. The Ngbandi live along the Ubangi River, which forms the border between the northern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. Their smiths have long been admired for the quality of their forged iron. Across this region, iron blades counted as stored wealth as well as tools. Oversized or richly decorated spears, knives, and blade-shaped ingots were exchanged as bridewealth and in other important payments. Copper and brass were valued trade metals in Central Africa, so winding them around a shaft added both visible beauty and economic value to an object that already showed status. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 205722

Estimate:$225

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