1: A typical shortsword of the Konda (of the group of the Mongo people in the north-west of the Congo basin), worn by men as a ceremonial and prestige weapon. With a broad, double-edged blade of local, African iron, rounded at its tip. Along its central axis, this blade displays a characteristic, deeply forged, pointed, linear geometric decoration on both sides. The black dyed wooden hilt is wrapped in brass wire and terminates in a rounded pommel with blunt tip. The equally black-dyed wooden sheath, in typical shape, with wide carrying loop carved from the same piece, is completely covered on its front side with decorative nails of brass. On the rear side is found a single brass nail. The sheath displays small breaks due to age. Only a few decorative nails are missing. Overall a very old object with good usage patina, and with the remains of the old carrying cord made of twisted plant fibres. Length: 49 cm (in total).
2: A dagger of the Tuareg, from the Sahara region from southern Marocco up to Mali and Niger. With sharp blade forged of local iron, and engraved with linear geometric patterns on both sides. The hilt is wrapped with finely woven, reddish-brown coloured leather strips. At the upper hilt end, a second, short and blunt iron blade is set in, to be used as a tool for daily work. The sheath of the dagger also consists of reddish-brown dyed leather, and is sewn on the back with leather strips. Overall, a very old piece with visible traces of usage.
Length: 28 cm (in total).
Both objects: Between the 19th and the early 20th centuries. (ME)