1999.104 Sickle-shaped knife (emambele)

Sharp-angled sickle-shaped knives with two or three holes and a hilt made of brass, wood, iron or ivory—like this one—were prestige objects made for Mangbetu kings and important men. They were held in the hand during visits, palavers, and ceremonials, as much for display as to be readily available, if needed. A blacksmith made the blade and a sculptor carved the hilt.

The exchange of luxury gifts occurred among Mangbetu and Zande rulers, so this knife may have been owned by a Zande king, who would have prized it. Similarly, a Mangbetu king made gifts of ceremonial knives to favored courtiers.

Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.

By 1999: Cooner Collection, Dallas, Texas

1999: Dallas Museum of Art, gift from above

The main source for this provenance is the copy of the Deed of Gift in the Collections Records object file (1999.104).

Apply to objects where number equals 1999.104