A very fine old and complete sword of the Salampasu people residing in the southern Zaire. A very nice photo of a Salampaso warrior carrying a similar sword can be seen on the front cover of: Beaute Fatale the catalog of an exhibition of African weapons in Brussels, Belgium, 1992. The blade is 18 inches, massive and well forged. The grip is beautifully carved grained wood, slightly cracked on the sides but hold very firm. The scabbard is wood covered with raw hide set with rattan fiber at its mouth and tip. Total length 24 inches. This is a late 19 Century authentic sword in very good condition. A scarce sword highly sought after by collectors of African weaponry and tribal arts.