KUBA IKUL IRON LEAF KNIFE DR CONGO AFRICAN TRIBAL WEAPON Sword Blade Machete

Description

KUBA IKUL IRON LEAF KNIFE DR CONGO AFRICAN TRIBAL WEAPON Sword Blade Machete
Item Type: Iron Ikul / Knife
Item Description: A leaf-shaped iron-bladed knife with raised medial ridge chiseled with linear designs to both sides, characteristic carved wooden hilt with large spherical pommel. The handle is very finely carved with traditional Kuba knotwork-type designs. The iron blade is somewhat rusty and the wooden handle has some rubs that mar the carving, but overall this is a sturdy, nicely-made object.
See a similar item in the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, number 2002-22-6. Accompanying description:
Knives in this form, known as ikul, were the personal property of Kuba men and were worn on the right hip during ceremonial occasions that demanded the wearing of traditional dress. While this example has a copper blade, ikul were often made with highly forged iron blades and more recently of aluminum. According to oral tradition the ikul was introduced by king Shyaam a Mbul aNgoong in the early 17th century as an emblem of peace. It was intended to contrast with the lethal throwing knives that the king opposed as inflicting harm without risk, and the equally lethal but more personal combat of the war sword. The king banned the wearing of the war sword in peacetime unless it was sheathed in cloth.
Item Size: approx 12.5 inches long x 3.5 inches wide
Country or Region: DR Congo
Item Age: Early to Mid 20th Century
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