Sickle Weapon c. early to mid 20th century

This sickle weapon was made of wood by the Kuba people, but we don't know exactly when. Just look at the way it has been crafted. The artist has used what looks like a dark stain to give the piece an aged, textural effect. It's clear that the piece is more than a tool, it's a cultural object loaded with symbolic resonance. Note how the handle is meticulously carved, alternating between geometric and curvilinear forms in a way that invites touch. This craftsmanship is really about transforming the mundane into something extraordinary. See the place where the blade meets the handle. The use of small coils or spirals there contrasts with the straight lines of the blade. To me this suggests that the piece is about bringing together opposites. It reminds me of some of the work of Martin Puryear, the way he combines elegance and utility in his sculptural forms. This sickle is a constant reminder that art is less about answers, and more about endless questions.