Kusu Club Knife, 2nd Half 19th C

Description

About 60,000 Kusu live in the Southeastern Congo (Zaire) along the left bank of the
Lualaba River. Formerly a hunting society, in recent years they have become more
sedentary and have turned to agriculture and fishing. They tend to live in small villages
isolated from each other. This knife features 13 1/4″ forged iron blade with bulging
center section and blunt point; shallow central fuller transitioning to a medial ridge
toward the point. Two-stage hardwood grip, carved with diamond hatching (loose,
worn, and split) Very similar example illustrated in Figs. in “Afrikanische Waffen”, by
Fischer & Zirngibl. Overall length 18 ½”.