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Execution sword
Execution sword

Execution sword

Date20th century
Label TextExtreme skill in smelting and forging iron is evident in central African blades. Blacksmiths had acquired special knowledge firsthand that smelting with large amounts of charcoal would create blades as hard as steel. Before use, such blades were polished to a high gleam to appear white, the color of the force of lightning and the realm of the spirit.
Object number81.17.853
Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company
Dimensions9 15/16 x 25 13/16 in. (25.2 x 65.5 cm)
MediumIron and wood
Congolese
20th century
Object number: 81.17.855
Sword
Object number: 68.145
Congolese
Object number: 2001.963
Knife
Congolese
20th century
Object number: 81.17.810
Sickle knife
Congolese
20th century
Object number: 81.17.819
Knife
Congolese
Object number: 81.17.820
Knife
Congolese
Object number: 81.17.824
Knife
Congolese
Object number: 81.17.856