Mambele (knives)

The Trumbasch (also Trombash, Trombacha, Mambele ) is a crescent- shaped blade of Mangbetu, an ethnic group in north- eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It served as a weapon, tool and high quality designs as able weapon. Reports that classify it as a throwing weapon likely to be due to the same name with a throwing stick or throwing iron.

Description

The Trumbasch has a crescent-shaped, double-edged blade. The blade has a strong midrib and often round holes for decoration. The handle is made of wood, metal, ivory or bone and can end in a stylized human head. Types of copper were determined solely for the king. Mangbetu denote several different kinds of knives, which they use as Mambele or Trumbasch. It is also used by neighboring ethnic groups Mangbetu.