AZANDE SLAVER'S SWORD

19th century. Azande, whose name literally means “owners of much land,” entered the 19th century with a history of conquest and expansion. The descendants of great warriors faced economic and demographic changes which turned them to the industry which harvested humans for export to the Arab world, slavery. The trade was curtailed by the Anglo-French convention of 1899, before which it was the major occupation of Azande warriors. This sword is of typical but slightly more elegant form than most. The 17 1/4” blade is slightly waisted and finely forged with medial ridge and beveled edges. The wood grip is wound with trade wire (breaks and raveled). Wonderful aging throughout.