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Short sword with wooden sheath
Ekonda
early 20th century
Object Place: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/Technique
Wood, metal, copper sheet metal, brass tacks, wire
Dimensions
Overall: 50 x 15 x 11 cm (19 11/16 x 5 7/8 x 4 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2669
CollectionsContemporary Art, Africa and Oceania
ClassificationsArms and armor
This short sword has an iron blade, a wooden handle, and a wooden sheath made in the central region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adorned with brass furniture tacks made in Europe. Ekonda (or Konda) smiths are better known for ornate, ornamental blades; you can find two examples in the MFA collection (2003.795 and 2006.2039). Like those elaborate blades, this sword was intended to highlight the owners' taste and wealth and was not a functional weapon. The surface is liberally decorated with tacks, an expensive import, which were once kept brightly polished.
Provenance1970s, acquired in Paris by Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)