FINE AND RARE SONGYE (CONGOLESE) RITUAL DAGGER FOR THE ROYAL COURT

18th-early 19th century. 17 1/2" total length. The wood hilt carved as a male ancestor, probably a chief with tall headdress and angular features in the early traditional style. The top of the head with a shallow fetish cavity with remnants of fetish material. 9 3/4" d.e. blade wrought from pure copper. A twisted trade copper band below the head. Wonderful age character throughout with fine patina mixed with surface encrustation to the hilt. The blade with measured hammer blow texture mixed with light green patina. Copper was valued more than gold and its use for weapons restricted to the royal family and circle. The carving is characteristic of the pre-contact period.

Ex. Baptist Missionary Society Collection

Shown on its Plexiglas display stand with protective covering which will be removed before shipping.