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

• Superb and very heavy ikulimbaang Shoowa-kuba knife in red copper

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Total length: 39 cm

• Period: early 20th century

• Weight: 1138 g

• Provenance: Eve Auction House - France

— This variety of ikulimbaang features a conical protrusion on its rounded pommel, a characteristic also present on Kuba hat pins. This knife is said to have been introduced by King Shyaam aMbul aNgoong in the early 17th century as a symbol of peace. While any free adult man could possess the common Ikul dagger, only a Kuba noble had the privilege of owning a ceremonial knife of this type. Serving mainly as a rank emblem, it was also brandished by men and women during ritual dances (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Spring, African Arms and Armor, 1993; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984).

— Very heavy and rare Kuba ikulimbaang knife entirely in red copper. 1.134 kg of pure red copper, which would have served as a sword for ceremonial dances to its former owner and which most certainly dates from the early 20th century, as that amount of red copper would not have been used at the end of the 19th century. This very beautiful piece bears inventory number 415 from a private collection. (we unfortunately do not have the name of the former collector)

— sold with the paid invoice from Eve Auction House.
(document PDF)

— Careful, insured delivery with tracking number.