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

• Superb and heavy ikulimbaang knife

• Ethnicity: Shoowa-kuba (Bakuba)

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Total length: 39 cm

• Period: early 20th century

• Weight: 1138 g

• Materials: red copper

• Provenance: Eve Auction House - France

— This variety of ikulimbaang features a conical protrusion on its rounded pommel, characteristic also found 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 own the common Ikul dagger, only a Kuba noble had the privilege to possess this type of ceremonial knife. It mainly served as a rank emblem, and 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 the ceremonial dances of its former owner and which must very likely date from the early 20th century, since that amount of red copper would not have been used by the late 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 auction margin/bill from Eve Auction House.
(document PDF)

— Carefully packaged, insured delivery with tracking number. (Bpost)