Short sword "Ikul" - Shoowa-Kuba - DR Congo
04
days
10
hours
12
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33
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 450 - € 500
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Description from the seller
Ikula Shoowa-Kuba Knife
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total length: 38 cm
Period: the very beginning of the 20th century (1900-10).
Materials: forged iron, wood, zinc (zinc inlay of imbek on the neck - extremely precise and delicate work)
Provenance: Belgian private collection
In the historical world, every adult Kuba man wore an ikul. As in many other cultures, this sword symbolized virility. The Kuba are renowned for their smithing know-how and the importance they attach to the community's blacksmith. The forge was regarded, just like weaving and a few other arts, as a royal art. This explains why bearing arms was perceived by the Kuba not only as a cultural symbol of status, of virility and of a warrior, but also of royalty.
The ikul was conceived and created by King Shyaam aMbul aNgoong in the early seventeenth century and was initially worn exclusively by the Kuba of the Bushoong clan, then in power, as a symbol of peace. That a weapon should serve as a symbol of peace may seem paradoxical, but it faithfully reflects the fact that peace is often guaranteed only by a government possessing an effective military force.
While every free Kuba man wore an Ikul, during a new moon, when the moon is not visible in the sky, only wooden Ikuls (fake knives) could be brandished (Elsen, Iron and Pride, 2003; "Ikul (1907.21.25)")
Beautiful, rare blade shape for this specimen in perfect condition.
Delivery guaranteed - Bpost
Ikula Shoowa-Kuba Knife
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total length: 38 cm
Period: the very beginning of the 20th century (1900-10).
Materials: forged iron, wood, zinc (zinc inlay of imbek on the neck - extremely precise and delicate work)
Provenance: Belgian private collection
In the historical world, every adult Kuba man wore an ikul. As in many other cultures, this sword symbolized virility. The Kuba are renowned for their smithing know-how and the importance they attach to the community's blacksmith. The forge was regarded, just like weaving and a few other arts, as a royal art. This explains why bearing arms was perceived by the Kuba not only as a cultural symbol of status, of virility and of a warrior, but also of royalty.
The ikul was conceived and created by King Shyaam aMbul aNgoong in the early seventeenth century and was initially worn exclusively by the Kuba of the Bushoong clan, then in power, as a symbol of peace. That a weapon should serve as a symbol of peace may seem paradoxical, but it faithfully reflects the fact that peace is often guaranteed only by a government possessing an effective military force.
While every free Kuba man wore an Ikul, during a new moon, when the moon is not visible in the sky, only wooden Ikuls (fake knives) could be brandished (Elsen, Iron and Pride, 2003; "Ikul (1907.21.25)")
Beautiful, rare blade shape for this specimen in perfect condition.
Delivery guaranteed - Bpost
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Shoowa-Kuba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Short sword "Ikul"
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
