Bidspirit auction | Congo Iron Executioners Sword w/

Congo Iron Executioners Sword w/ Pigment - Congo, Executioners sword known as a Ngulu with a multipronged blade and sickle like forward section. Red pigment applied to the edged side of the blade and textured surface to the reverse half. Lightly fullered to the ricasso area. Wood handle with flat wrapped steel grip. Size 28” L, blade 20 1/4” L By the 20th century, the ngulu had been transformed into a ceremonial dance blade due to the rules of colonial powers which outlawed execution and cannibalism which had been widespread at the time. The Ngombe in particular were known as voracious cannibals and man-hunters, commonly raiding and killing for cannibal celebrations. Ex-Southern California Collection