The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 24, 2024

Knife

Knife

c. 1900
Iron, wood, copper alloy, upholstery studs, plant fibers, and rawhide
Overall: 57.2 cm (22 1/2 in.); Blade: 41.4 cm (16 5/16 in.)
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.743
Location: not on view

Description

This beautifully wrought knife served as a symbol of political authority among the Ngala. Quite literally it signified the power of life and death for its form was derived from that of an executioner's knife.
  • Standing on Ceremony: Traditional African Arms from the Donna and Robert Jackson Collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (April 24, 2004-March 15, 2005).
    Western Reserve Historical Society (4/24/2004 - 11/27/2004): 'Standing on Ceremony: Traditional African Arms from the Donna and Robert Jackson Collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art"
  • {{cite web|title=Knife|url=false|author=|year=c. 1900|access-date=24 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.743