AFRICAN WEAPONS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
THE NGULU

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

EXECUTIONS

OTHER WEAPONS

PHOTO GALLERY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BIBLIOGRAPHY
  Here are three fine examples of Ngulus that are very different from mine. The first two examples have a very fine patina to them. It is important to know the difference between rust and patina. The third example has no rust or patina. This is because in the late 19th century, the tribes started to trade with the Europeans for the prettier purified metals. This purified metal was still shaped and formed by the tribesman but I feel that most of the craftsmanship qualities must be attributed to the archaic smelting process used to make the first two examples and my personal piece.
   Another thing I want you to notice is that all of the points between the handle and the tip have squared off protrusions. These squared off points show up nowhere in drawings, photographs, or accounts given by those who observed the weapons in the early 1800's or even earlier. This suggests they were made after that time and that my weapon is older.
   The third characteristic that I think should not be overlooked are the engravings along the right side. These are called tattoos. The three swords shown here all have great tattoos as does mine. I point them out because I have seem some come to auction that are so rusted and worn that the tattoos are barely noticeable if at all.
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Ngala blacksmith with Ngulu
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