TABWA, Democratic Republic of Congo - Lot 396

TABWA, Democratic Republic of Congo Double-headed sword, preserved in its original scabbard wood, wrought iron, goatskin, old patina and wear marks Height Height : 71 cm Note : Settled in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, around Lake Tanganyika, the Tabwa developed artistic forms linked to the assertion of status and authority. The two heads at the top, back to back and facing opposite directions, evoke a permanent vigilance, capable of embracing the whole space, but also a controlled duality between different spheres of influence. This type of object is thus part of a symbolism of protection and power, where the double figure embodies a capacity to monitor, anticipate and assert a presence in several directions at once.