Sickle Blade “Uggo”

Origin: Mamvu (Momvu) Tribe, D.R. Congo
Composition: copper, wood, metal plating

This type of sickle blade comes from the Mamvu (Momvu), who are the ancient inhabitants of the area directly east of Mangbetu territory, in the far northeastern corner of the D.R. Congo. Historically, this type of blade has been the possession of women only, and was used to display prestige and also used for chopping, particularly in the jungle (Ref: Elsen, “De fer et fe fierté”).

The undated photo (below) depicts "The Wife of Chief Makére," and is © The Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren.