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Execution sword

Image Coming Soon

Execution sword

20th century

Congolese

Ngombe

Extreme skill in smelting and forging iron is evident in central African blades. Blacksmiths acquired special knowledge to smelt with large amounts of charcoal and 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.
Iron and wood
6 7/16 x 21 5/8 in. (16.3 x 55 cm)
Gift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company
81.17.855
location
Not currently on view

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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