Zimbabwe Shona People Bakatwa Dagger & Copper Bound Sheath

*Zimbabwe Shona People Bakatwa Dagger & Copper Bound Sheath*

Original Zimbabwe Shona People Bakatwa Dagger. The double fullered stiletto blade and a distinctive carved cone shaped pommel, housed in an hardwood scabbard (hara in Shona) with copper wire banding. Measures approx 35cm.

In historical times, all Shona men carried a knife or sword of some kind, for use in self-defence and hunting. The ceremonial bakatwa can be distinguished from everyday Shona blades (known as banga) because of its double-edged form and the intricate woven brass wire decoration on the hilt, and would have been used in religious ceremonies. Bakatwa were and are passed down from generation to generation in a lineage, and were used in traditional rituals to symbolize the presence of the owner’s ancestors, the sword’s previous owners. In these rituals, the owner addressed the bakatwa as if it was the physical embodiment of his ancestors.

*Condition*
Good used condition. The flared pommel is damaged and missing the rear top section. There are minor splits to the scabbard and some gaps to the wire banding. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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