A VINTAGE AFRICAN TRIBAL COPPER WIRE WRAPPED WOOD AND GILT LACQUERED ENGRAVED STEEL SWORD, POSSIBLY NGBANDI/YAKOMA PEOPLES, CENTRAL AFRICA, POSSIBLY LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY, with a shaped oval black flat pommel on a copper wire wrapped wood hilt, supporting a base of two serrated open wrist cord panels and flaring tipped "mushroom" long curved blade with sharpened edge limited to inside curve and tip, centering a median ridge with a short zigzag engraved detail, total length: 22". NOTE: Yakoma: Fisher and Zirngibl 1978: 79, 88; Benge or Angba (Manfred A. Zirngibl, "'Seltene Afrikanische Kurzwaffen' (Rare African Weapons)", pg. 59). The shape of the stud, blade decoration, and copper wrapped blade most closely resemble the Yakoma example. Cf. McNaughton 1970 fig. 18, described as Upper Congo, Ubangi, Welle, and Aruwimi River areas. Decoration on one side only; sharp only at tip and inside edge. According to Ballarini, the mushroom-projection at the base of the blade would have been for a cord attaching the sword to the wrist. Provenance: Purchased by Mrs. Selden for her husband from the Segy Gallery of New York City, February 22, 1952 and illustrated in the Director of the Gallery Ladislas Segy's book titled, "African Sculpture Speaks," published by A.A. WYN, Inc., New York, 1952.

Good condition, some normal surface buildup and dulled gilt lacquering/patination due to age use and materials. Minor surface marks and tiny scratches throughout. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."