Mambeli (short sword)
Dateearly 1900s
Mediumengraved iron, ivory
Dimensions51.1 × 6.4 cm (20 1/8 × 2 1/2 in.)
Weight: 10 oz
Weight: 10 oz
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.37
DescriptionIron leaf-shaped hollow-ground blade with off-set longitudinal chiseled lines following curve of blade. Rectangular cut in center of forte & 3 circle piercings directly below along center of blade. Ivory hourglass-shaped hilt with vertical lines of dots within circles on each of 4 faces. The edge bevel is on opposite sides on the two faces of the blade.Label TextPerhaps the greatest variety of swords are to be found in the Congo region of central Africa. This example is of a style relatively comparable to Eurasian sword types. The holes in the blade, the split near the hilt, and the engraved blade decoration are among a wide variety of features mixed and matched in the various local manifestations of Congolese blade weapons.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on May 1, 1931 from W.O. Oldman (London, England). Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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