19th century. These unique weapons were believed to be imbued with supernatural powers by sacrificial articles bound into the fetish bundle above the grip. Many surviving examples are devoid of the fetishes as Europeans were repulsed by the concept and removed them. The Ngombe melded with the Poto who, themselves were displaced and assimilated into the Bantu culture. As with all Congolese slavers, their weapons were designed for effective use in close quarters and later, used for dismemberment of slaves slaughtered for human consumption. 24" total length. The blade with uniform stable brown textured surface. The flared base encased in attractively embossed brass sheathing secured with split cane. The fetish bundle with original woven split cane binding and complete, but for the top which is worn flat. Particularly nice age character.