TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:    
    Ngala Executioner's Sword (ngulu)
    19th c.

    Originally used as a weapon for the ceremonial executions of
    captured prisoners, also served as ornamental symbol of status,
    and in birth and/or death ceremonies. Slightly different examples
    were used in ceremonies by Ngala Chieftains who revered it as a
    symbol of power. This is a distinctive and powerful crescent
    shape with embossed forged iron blade and broad scalloped
    edges.   

    Until late in the nineteenth century, when a Ngombe chief died, his
    servants accompanied him into the world of the ancestors. During
    the funeral proceedings ritual beheadings were accomplished
    with short swords similar in design to the blades illustrated here.
    However, since these ngulu were made lighter in weight than
    executions required, they were used as currency in rare but major
    transactions to purchase a bride or slave, insignias of prestige, or
    were carried by the Ngbaka women during ceremonial dances.  .

Ethnic Group:      
    Ngombe ( Ngala) Society


Country of Origin:          
    Congo

Material:          
    Iron
    Wood
    Brass


Dimensions:


Reference:                 
    African Weapons" by Fischer and Zirngibl.

    NGOLA-THE WEAPON AS AUTHORITY, IDENTITY AND RITUAL
    OBJECT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA, by Norman.  Hurst

    Force at the Anvil, The Blacksmith’s Art from Africa – Tom Joyce