Chamba Dance Wand

In the absence of verifiable sources, identifying these sickle-like implements is a challenge. Judging from the patina and hand wrought nature of the iron blades and wooden handles these wands are unquestionably old and well used. Over the past twenty years a few dozen have appeared on the market, a handful at a time, usually identified as Chamba or Kirdi. Field photographs of Podokwo harvest festivals from northwest Cameroon show young women dancing with sickle shaped implements. The more elaborate sickle on offer each has a finial consisting of a faceted, blunt tipped arrowhead surmounting a narrow serpentine neck- features offering dubious utility in either a weapon or a tool. It seems likely therefore that this implement was intended as a prop, presumably in a public performance or ceremony. Finally, the fine craftsmanship, shape and proportions of the ironwork, particularly with regard to the arrowhead, closely parallel spear points and currencies positively identified as Chamba. A beautiful example of ceremonial ironwork, 20″ tall.

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