A good, Yaka sword. The Yaka people reside in the southern borders of Zaire, and they developed a sword of very typical shape. The blade is 18 inches long, of an elongated leaf shape with decorated dots punched into the blade steel. It is a rather good blade for this type. The grip is covered with animal hide and the pommel looks like a crown made from steel wires with a long tubular copper pommel spike. The hilt is decorated with copper wire, nails and few brass nails as well. Total length 25 1/2 inches. This sword is dated to the late 19C early 20th Century. Good condition. Small tears to the hide that covers the hilt.