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Mangbetu Jet Knife. Democratic Republic Of Congo
Throwing knife. Ethnic group: Mangbetu. Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Belgian Congo, formerly Zaire).
The characteristic shape of the blade demonstrates the perfect mastery of ironworking by Mangbetu blacksmiths. The blackish patina partly covering the blade also tells us about the context in which these knives were used in the mid-twentieth century, when this type of knife was probably in use: previously used as throwing weapons or currency, they were now only used for festive purposes. To prevent rusting, their blades were coated with palm oil and exposed to smoke.
- The Mangbetu are a group of peoples living in northeastern Congo, on lands previously occupied by the Pygmies, thus constituting an ensemble of diverse origins, cultures and languages. In addition to designating this group of peoples, the word "Mangbetu" also refers in the strictest sense to the aristocracy that established powerful kingdoms during the 19th century.
The characteristic shape of the blade demonstrates the perfect mastery of ironworking by Mangbetu blacksmiths. The blackish patina partly covering the blade also tells us about the context in which these knives were used in the mid-twentieth century, when this type of knife was probably in use: previously used as throwing weapons or currency, they were now only used for festive purposes. To prevent rusting, their blades were coated with palm oil and exposed to smoke.
- The Mangbetu are a group of peoples living in northeastern Congo, on lands previously occupied by the Pygmies, thus constituting an ensemble of diverse origins, cultures and languages. In addition to designating this group of peoples, the word "Mangbetu" also refers in the strictest sense to the aristocracy that established powerful kingdoms during the 19th century.
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