Knife

This unusual item was found during the clearing away of vegetation at Tower Hill. It has a curved blade, with three notches leading up to it, and a wooden handle. The Sierra Leone National Museum records suggest that is may be Congolese, with the following passage in the Congo executions with this type of sword was carried out with pomp, wizarding and terror. The decorated witch doctor, standing behind the criminal, has first to destroy the soul, in mock execution in order to prevent him from haunting the village .

Further Information

• Type: Weapons, armour
• Object: Knife
• Materials: Metal, Wood
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: Pre 1968
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Mr. Saio Conteh, Land and Surveys, Freetown (Donor)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1968.05.01

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