Early 20th Century African ‘Azande Sickle Sword’ from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 21101. Early 20th Century African ‘Azande Sickle Sword’ from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 21101. Miscellaneous

The Azande are an ethnic group in Central Africa speaking the Zande languages (whose classification is uncertain). They live in the south-eastern part of the Central African Republic, the north-eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the south-central and south-western parts of South Sudan. The Azande were believed to be formed by a military conquest during the first half of the 18th century. They were led by two dynasties that differed in origin and political strategy. The Azande are mainly small-scale farmers. Crops include maize, rice, groundnuts (also known as peanuts), sesame, cassava and sweet potatoes. Fruits grown in the area include mangos, oranges, bananas, pineapples, and also sugar cane. Zandeland is also full of palm oil and sesame. This sword measures 45 cm overall and has a cylindrical pommel and grip bound with metal bands. The sickle shaped blade has two pierced holes and measures 24 cm. The sickle sword would have been used for agricultural purposes/animal culling and combat. See page 82 Figure 102 of ‘A Glossary of Arms and Armour’ by George Cameron Stone for similar. The price for this interesting piece includes UK delivery. 21101.