West Africa, Ghana, Akan peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A forged-steel sword known as an okomfo afena (literally "priest sword") used by shrine priests who accompany the village chief. The broad blade head exhibits a sharpened edge along the straighter, interior periphery, a rectangular nodule protruding from the tip, four shallow finger grooves along the lower shoulder, and intricate openwork excisions in triangular, circular, ovoid, and radiant solar forms. Surrounding the openwork motifs on the recessed blade face are dozens of stamped crescents, and eight perforated chain loops are situated along the exterior periphery just above the finger grooves. The blade tang is fitted inside a sturdy wooden handle. Size: 4.7" W x 21.625" H (11.9 cm x 54.9 cm); (blade): 16" L (40.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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#158611

Slight bending to overall form of blade, with abrasions to blade faces and handle, and minor loosening to blade tang within handle, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.