FINE MANGBETU SPEAR

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 other a few other items. Each spear head 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, at 74 1/2‰۝ has never been offered until now. The head displays the best work of the smith forged finish to the point and light tool finish to the balance. The opened seam conical socket is decorated with a five line band on each end. Excellent with good patina.