Offered here is an Ikul sword from Kingdom of Kuba which was about a quarter million strong tribe in Congo between the Sankuru, Kasai, and Lulua rivers. The sword offered here represents the fully developed form of the Ikul, with a wide blade, a particular leaf-shaped form, and wooden hilts without decoration. These were probably made prior to missionary contact, circa mid 19th century. Sword is in as found condition.
"These Ikul (ikula) of the Kuba tribe (Bakuba, Bushongo) were an object of status. The name also translates 2024 as “Peace sword”, as Ikul were not sharpened or meant for every day use. The Ikul was an object of presige, worn tucked in the back of a man's sash. All adult Kuba men carried the Ikul in historical times. Kuba warriors were well known for their ferocity and perhaps this trait saved them from slavery in any great number. The Kuba, like many other African tribes, kept slaves for work and ritual purposes."
[Reference: David J Atkinson]
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Product code: Ca. 1850 2024 Ikul Kuba Sword (Congo)