Lobi Snake Knife

According to Andre Blandin in “Fer Noire” lances of this type date to the 19th century and were the works of the blacksmiths of Samory in what is today Burkina Faso. He describes the piece as Bobo. Binger, reported seeing these during his journey of 1887-89, recorded their name as sanegue. The form may be based on period French bayonets with the modification of an S curve to allow for the weapon to rest comfortably on warriors’ shoulders. By 1919 the French had confiscated all sanegue except those secreted by the population who must have held them in some esteem as scores remained cached until the early 90s. Several appear in Tom Wheelock’s fabulous “Land of Flying Masks” where they are identified as Turka. This truly exquisite example was collected in a Lobi area. Excellent form and condition with superior finely incised detailing. 29.5″ tall.

Inquire About This Item