AFRICAN KNIVES, SWORDS, AXES and SPEARS

KOTA
Knives

KUBA
Mongo Knives 



LOBI
Iron Knife Bells

VARIOUS
Throwing Knives

BENIN
Objects
 

VARIOUS
Throwing Knives

 

LOBALA
Prestige Swords

 AFRICAN
Currencies 1

BENIN
Objects

AFRICAN
Currencies

Throwing
Knives

VARIOUS
Knives

  YORUBA
Knives
Catalog

POTO
Knife
Currency

 

BANGALA
Currency
Catalog

MANGBETU
Prestige
Knives

VARIOUS
Throwing
Knives

TARUMBA
"Spear"
Currency

MUMUYE
Currency
Catalog

BAMANA
Lance 4
27.5", $350

ASANTE
Knives
Catalog



NKUTSU
Spear tips
Catalog

TARUMBA
"Spear"
Currency

Photographs © Hamill Gallery

Knives, axes, currency blades and spears, most made of forged iron, attest to the skills in metal of the blacksmiths of many traditional African peoples. Most exhibit an inventive variety of form and workmanship far beyond what was functionally necessary. Some functioned as weapons. Many , however, were solely for ceremonial or ritual use, or displayed for prestige or status. The largest selections also served as currency, with forms made in the style of weapons, but not functional.

Some forms have become famous and popular and are now made to be sold.

All of these are as we obtained them. Many of the currencies, especially, will exhibit some rust or erosion. Some collectors and dealers prefer the knives highly cleaned, even ground down to the raw metal, then polished. This can be done to any of our knives but it is not a reversible process and we do not do it.

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