NGOMBE (BANGI) SLAVER'S SWORD

Relatively large proportions, 26 1/2” length end to end with sharply angled blade sharpened inside and the elongated triangular blade sharpened both edges. Plain wood hilt. The war sword used with the shield and functional on the slash with the capability of killing on the back stroke, thus mitigating the vulnerability of the missed stroke. Used with a small hand shield, the angle allows for retreat after the strike with a presentation of both a shield for protection and a lethal cutting edge for attack. A weapon of war in the field. Despite its unconventional form, eminently suitable for its intended purpose. While earlier tribal wars were territorial, those of the 19th century were virtually all to produce captives for the slave trade.