MOMVU, DRC

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This remarkable asymmetrical blade (uggo) exemplifies the seemingly boundless creativity of African smiths who, over the centuries, produced a small universe of abstract and ceremonial weapons. Here a spirit of the sculptural more than the martial seems to hold sway. Beautiful linear designs are pitted into the pointed neck and leaning disc of the blade, along with two pierced holes, vaguely recalling astronomical phenomena. The throat of the haft is wrapped with thick metal wire, and an inverted conical expansion in the middle of the grip offers a stay for the hand.

Used as a status object by powerful women, the uggo originates predominantly from the Momvu, who live along the southern bank of the Maika River in northeastern Democratic Republic of the.Congo.

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