MAGNIFICENT KOTA PRESTIGE KNIFE W/ DUAL BIRD HEADS

Origin:  Gabon, Kota People    (Provenance:  Previous collections:  Edward Glauder- Malibu California, Dr. Antonio Ruvalo- San Rafael California.  Prior to that in an old European collection)

Period/Date: Late 19th- or very early 20th century

Materials:  wood, iron, copper and metal wire

Description:  This rare and extraordinary prestige knife features double bird heads and is presented on a custom bronze display stand!  As a prestige object its quality, symmetry and inventiveness would have afforded its owner very high status.  As a weapon it is intimidating and menacing with the curved blade on top having a broad cutting surface.  But above all, as a "form object", this knife is noteworthy!  Overall all it looks like a stylized human figure especially with the elegant upward curved tangs, resembling arms, forming the hilt of the weapon.  Note that when the weapon is turned upside down it still looks like a human figure (i.e., its handle being the head, body and arms with the blades being the feet).  Its shaft is thick and precisely hand forged being embellished with chiseled geometric decoration on both sides.  In very good condition with some tarnishing and minor rust toward the base of the shaft.  There is a small chip on the rim of the wooden pommel as well as some missing coiled iron wire around the upper part of the pommel.  Sure to be a welcome addition to any collection of Tribal Art, weapons or form objects.

Dimensions:   Height 14.5"  (37 cm), Width 10"  (25.5 cm)

Price:  $9000

opposite side

beautiful form object!