Knife: Head (Namambele)

First half of 20th century

Not on view

The art of the northern savanna is associated with the sumptuous royal courts of the Mangbetu peoples. At its height, the second half of the nineteenth century, Mangbetu aristocrats surrounded themselves with a wide variety of finely crafted boxes, jars, stools, pipes, musical instruments and weapons. This distinctive tradition of anthropomorphic sculpture developed around 1900. Although such forms predate the colonial presence, European patrons greatly increased the demand for them.
"Namambele" knives such as this example were worn at the belt, on the right side and were considered a mark of distinction. They were the sole property of the Mangbetu ruling aristocracy. In this example, the head is surmounted by the characteristic fan-shaped coiffure which identifies it as the head of a woman.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Knife: Head (Namambele)
Date: First half of 20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Culture: Mangbetu peoples
Medium: Iron, wood
Dimensions: H. 11 × W. 2 × D. 1 1/8 in. (27.9 × 5.1 × 2.9 cm)
Classification: Metal-Implements
Credit Line: Gift of James J. Ross, 2011
Object Number: 2011.11.10
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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