This wonderfully fanciful weapon is loosely based on the Reliquary Guardians created by the Bakota people of the DRC. With its dramatically minimalist faces forming the handle and the iron blade terminating in four curved, claw-like prongs, the sword would have fitted perfectly into the hand of a Bravosi soldier from Game of Thrones.
Many African artisans have turned to producing versions (in either traditional or fanciful forms) of African tribal objects for sale on the art market. These objects are often artificially aged to make them appear to have been old and used (in much the same way that our fashion industry adds wear and tear to new jeans and hoodies).
34″ high x 8.5″ wide x 2.5″ deep, object
10.25″ wide x 7″ deep, base
HSS
