This is a antique African Lobi tribe handmade forged iron metal knife shaped bell which is a simple but sacred old ritual instrument which was rung after a sacrifice was given. The Lobi, better known for their wood figures, heads, stools and terracotta vessels, made some objects from iron. These forged bells exhibit the technical skill and artistry that Lobi blacksmiths brought to their work. They would do the smelting to get the iron from iron ore, then heat and hammer out both the tools and weapons used and these ritual objects. This antique Lobi tribe metal ritual knife shaped bell measures 16 inches long by 2.57 inches wide. Good antique very rustic used condition with the striker missing and a very rusty patina, some metal loss and dings and chips in the metal. This bell no longer rings and does not stand upright on the base as it was meant to. Please visit my ebay store Mountainamma's Marketplace to view thousands of items from Africa and beyond.