Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A forged-iron ceremonial knife or short sword known as an ikula (also ikul) with a broad blade and a stocky handle. The carved wooden handle is of an attenuated form with a plug-form pommel, and the entire wooden structure is densely adorned with iron wire sections that create a woven presentation. The petaloid blade bears incised concentric striations along both interior faces as well as lighter nickel-hued areas along one blade edge as well as the spine. Ikula blades are weapons of peace, rather than violence, as their blades resemble delicate plant leaves and, as such, were not meant to be used for war. Size: 3.75" W x 13.5" H (9.5 cm x 34.3 cm); 14.1" H (35.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Dieter Schaffner collection, Germany
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#166676
Condition
Very slight bending to overall form of blade, with abrasions to blade and handle, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina to wooden handle and blade faces.