Shona Knife - Zimbabwe, New Acquisition

A rare and beautiful ivory Shona knife.This type of knife was found among the Shona, and similar ones among the Sotho and Tswana, all in southern Africa. The sheaths were made of two pieces of wood, or in this fine example, a front of ivory and a back of wood. The front and back were bound together with braided wire, leather or fiber. The surface is covered with intricate geometric designs and enhanced by the patina of wear.

Wood, ivory, brass wire

Height: 12"