Ceremonial Sword (ngulu)

Cleveland Museum of Art

The ceremonial sword, titled ngulu, has a curved blade. The blade is broad and features a distinctive shape, with a semi-circular top that curves back towards the handle. The blade's surface exhibits a textured pattern and appears weathered, with a predominantly gray coloration and darker areas suggestive of rust or tarnish. A central ridge runs along the length of the blade. The handle is narrower and has a more uniform width, wrapped in a coiled material that appears to be metal. The base of the handle features a decorative element, and it tapers to a point at the bottom. The background of the image transitions from black at the top to gray at the bottom.