BEADED KNIFE AND SHEATH

NGONI, MALAWI

Late 19th century Wood, metal, glass beads, sinew Height: 8½ in

PROVENANCE

Private collection, UK

Private collection, South Africa

A handsome Ngoni dagger with an elongated, tapered point and wooden handle and sheath, clothed entirely in a mesh of well-preserved beadwork. The soft color scheme of pink, blue, and white, accented with black details, is a familiar design choice in this region of southern Africa. Bladed weapons are less commonly found among the territories of the Ngoni and their neighbors, where wooden weapons such as the ubiquitous knobkerrie predominated. This knife would have been worn as part of a vivid ensemble of other beaded pieces and accessories, carried for adornment as much as for utility. There is a small area of bead loss around the midsection of the knife.