Knife
Kuba steel knife with wooden handle which has geometric designs etched out.
- Object: Knife
- Artist: -
- Circa: -
- Dimensions: 14"
- Culture Area: Central Zaire Africa
- Cultural Group: Kuba
- Cultural Context: This is, most likely, a Kuba tribe Ikul (Roughly means peace sword). Ikul were not sharpened or meant for everyday use, and were traditionally worn by Kuba warriors. “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.”
- Donor: Dr. John D Spenst
- Catalog #: 84.033