Lobala Cheiftain’s Knife

  • Title
    A fine Central African, Lobala Cheiftain's Knife: 19th early 20th century
  • Location
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Size
    67cm (L)
  • Price
    PRICE ON REQUEST

This exquisite example has a flaring, two-tiered wooden handle supporting an abstracted flat metal figure with parted legs and a wide torso beneath upraised arms with articulated hands framing the circular head secured at the neck by studs and incised both sides, with linear motifs, varied and aged metal patina.

Lobala chieftain knives from Central Africa are significant cultural artifacts, reflecting the artistry and societal structures of the Lobala people. These knives, often intricately crafted, served multiple roles:

  • Weapons: Originally designed as functional tools, they were used in hunting and combat. The craftsmanship ensured they were effective in close-quarters situations.
  • Prestige Symbols: Beyond their practical use, these knives became emblems of status and authority. Chieftains and other high-ranking individuals possessed elaborately decorated knives, signifying their position within the community.
  • Ceremonial Objects: In various rituals and ceremonies, the knives played a central role, symbolizing power and tradition. Their presence in such events underscored the deep cultural significance attributed to them.

The design of these knives often features unique shapes and detailed engravings, showcasing the Lobala’s metallurgical skills and aesthetic sensibilities. Materials used typically included locally sourced iron, and the handles might be adorned with organic materials to enhance their grip and visual appeal.

It’s important to note that while the Lobala are known for their distinctive knives, similar weapons and ceremonial blades were prevalent among various Central African tribes. For instance, the Ngbaka Mabo people utilized throwing knives, known as “ndo,” which served as weapons, prestige objects, and currency blades. These knives were integral to their daily life, with men rarely leaving their villages without them, even in times of peace.

Lobala chieftain knives are more than mere weapons; they are cultural symbols embodying the artistry, hierarchy, and traditions of the Lobala people in Central Africa.

Provenance

Jay C. Leff Collection,

Uniontown, Pennsylvania:   Jay Leff was a well known collector and donator of African and Oceanic Art who’s collection was build in the early 1940’s-1970’s he had a sale of some of his collection in New York “African Art from the Collection of Jay C. Leff. April 22, 1967.  The sale was held at the start of a decade of active sales in New York of Tribal art with the landmark sale of Helena Rubinstein in 1966.  Many important auctions presented by New York, Park Bernet Galleries. .  subsequently influenced the surge in acquiring Tribal art  in the United States from then until the present.

Estelle Adams Collection  Sotheby’s, New York, May 15, 2003, Lot 78

Bernard de Grunne, Brussels

Ed and Mina Smith Collection, California

Literature

Carnagie institute on the this occasion: at the Department of Fine Arts, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, Exotic Art from Ancient and Primitive Civilizations: Collection of Jay C. Leff, October 15, 1959 – January 3, 1960.

Carnegie Institute, The Art of Black Africa – Collection of Jay C. Leff, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1969, fig. 237

Exhibited

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Carnagie Institute, The Art of Black Africa – Collection Jay C. Leff, 24 October 1979 – 18 January 1970

 

Show full description

This exquisite example has a flaring, two-tiered wooden handle supporting an abstracted flat metal figure with parted legs and a wide torso beneath upraised arms with articulated hands framing the circular head secured at the neck by studs and incised both sides, with linear motifs, varied and aged metal patina.

Lobala chieftain knives from Central Africa are significant cultural artifacts, reflecting the artistry and societal structures of the Lobala people. These knives, often intricately crafted, served multiple roles:

  • Weapons: Originally designed as functional tools, they were used in hunting and combat. The craftsmanship ensured they were effective in close-quarters situations.
  • Prestige Symbols: Beyond their practical use, these knives became emblems of status and authority. Chieftains and other high-ranking individuals possessed elaborately decorated knives, signifying their position within the community.
  • Ceremonial Objects: In various rituals and ceremonies, the knives played a central role, symbolizing power and tradition. Their presence in such events underscored the deep cultural significance attributed to them.

The design of these knives often features unique shapes and detailed engravings, showcasing the Lobala’s metallurgical skills and aesthetic sensibilities. Materials used typically included locally sourced iron, and the handles might be adorned with organic materials to enhance their grip and visual appeal.

It’s important to note that while the Lobala are known for their distinctive knives, similar weapons and ceremonial blades were prevalent among various Central African tribes. For instance, the Ngbaka Mabo people utilized throwing knives, known as “ndo,” which served as weapons, prestige objects, and currency blades. These knives were integral to their daily life, with men rarely leaving their villages without them, even in times of peace.

Lobala chieftain knives are more than mere weapons; they are cultural symbols embodying the artistry, hierarchy, and traditions of the Lobala people in Central Africa.

Provenance

Jay C. Leff Collection,

Uniontown, Pennsylvania:   Jay Leff was a well known collector and donator of African and Oceanic Art who’s collection was build in the early 1940’s-1970’s he had a sale of some of his collection in New York “African Art from the Collection of Jay C. Leff. April 22, 1967.  The sale was held at the start of a decade of active sales in New York of Tribal art with the landmark sale of Helena Rubinstein in 1966.  Many important auctions presented by New York, Park Bernet Galleries. .  subsequently influenced the surge in acquiring Tribal art  in the United States from then until the present.

Estelle Adams Collection  Sotheby’s, New York, May 15, 2003, Lot 78

Bernard de Grunne, Brussels

Ed and Mina Smith Collection, California

Literature

Carnagie institute on the this occasion: at the Department of Fine Arts, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, Exotic Art from Ancient and Primitive Civilizations: Collection of Jay C. Leff, October 15, 1959 – January 3, 1960.

Carnegie Institute, The Art of Black Africa – Collection of Jay C. Leff, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1969, fig. 237

Exhibited

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Carnagie Institute, The Art of Black Africa – Collection Jay C. Leff, 24 October 1979 – 18 January 1970

 

Lobala chieftain knives are more than mere weapons; they are cultural symbols embodying the artistry, hierarchy, and traditions of the Lobala people in Central Africa.