African curved saber - Ngombe/Doko

Measurements
length: 29 3/4"
blade: 24"
blade width: 2 3/4"
grip and pommel: 5 3/4"
weight: 1 lb 2.8 oz

Wickedly curved double-edged saber from the Ngombe/Doko people of the Congo. The blade is fullered for the first 7 1/2", and has a diamond-shaped taper to both cutting edges. Sharp from tip to hilt. The usual grip on sabers of this type are wound with iron, this grip is a later replacement from sometime in the sword's "working life". Quite unusual and nasty, balances well when held with the tip curving forward.