Knife Handle: Standing Female Captive

19th–early 20th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Costly ivory finials were carved as handles for prestigious items of regalia and ceremonial implements commissioned by Kongo elites. Some finials feature regal female subjects as captives. The sharp sword of the king’s executioner (mbalaya makanda) was documented as part of the venerated insignia of chieftaincy at Nganda Nsundi during the 1930s. Its carved figurative handle, like this related example, featured a woman with long hair and hands bound behind her who was said to be guilty of adultery and sentenced to be executed.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Knife Handle: Standing Female Captive
Date: 19th–early 20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Republic of the Congo; Cabinda, Angola
Culture: Kongo peoples
Medium: Ivory, metal
Dimensions: H. 7 in. (17.8 cm), W. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm), D. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)
Classification: Bone/Ivory-Sculpture
Credit Line: Private collection
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing