MANGBETU SPEAR HEAD FROM THE TREASURE ROOM OF CHIEF GWATALA

Given by Chief Gwatala to a German industrialist about 1910, subsequently sold by his heirs in Amsterdam in the 1980s. The collection comprised mounted spears, spear heads and a few other items. Each spear head is finely forged with black scale surfaces opposite bright "white" surfaces laboriously polished by slaves. We sold over 50 examples from the collection at $500-$1250.00. They sold out based on their ranking among the finest on the market. This example is 25” length and displays the best work of the smith forged finish to the point and light tool finish to the balance including the opened seam conical socket. Excellent with good patina.