Lobi Blade Fragment with Figural Handle, Based

A long thin blade ends in a stick-figure crowned with crossed arms.

This forged iron blade fragment with figural handle, on a base is Lobi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa. Blacksmiths in many West African societies hold a respected and sometimes ritually significant position, forging iron into tools, weapons and objects of prestige. A slim, curved blade of dark brown metal, with a narrow figure at the top whose arms cross over its chest. Rust-colored mottling covers the surface, and the whole piece stands on a short rod over a small square base. It is 0.8 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 10.4 high.

Elegant in a very particular, wiry sort of way.