Short sword "Ikul" - Shoowa-Kuba - DR Congo

Ikula Knife Shoowa-kuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total length: 38 cm
Period: early 20th century (1900-10)
Materials: wrought iron, wood, zinc (zinc inlay of imbék on the handle – 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 craft and the importance they attach to the community blacksmith. Blacksmithing was regarded, just like weaving and a few other arts, as a royal art. This explains why carrying weapons was perceived by the Kuba not only as a cultural symbol of class, virility, and warrior status, but also of royalty.

The ikul was conceived and created by King Shyaam aMbul angong at the beginning of the 17th century and was initially worn exclusively by the Bushoong clan of the Kuba, then in power, as a symbol of peace. That a weapon serves as a symbol of peace may seem paradoxical, but it faithfully reflects the fact that peace can often only be guaranteed by a government possessing an effective military force.

While every free Kuba man wore an Ikul, on a new moon, when the moon is not visible in the sky, only wooden Ikul (false knives) could be brandished (Elsen, De Fer et De fierté, 2003; "Ikul (1907.21.25)

Beautiful rare form of the blade of this specimen in perfect condition.

Careful, insured delivery with tracking number