Old African Knife – Ikul / Ikula – Kuba – DR Congo – Former Belgian Collection

Early 20th century. Iron, brass (“yellow copper”). Cm. 37,5 high (14.76″); weight: grams 447,5 (15.79 oz).

The ikul consists of a leaf-shaped blade (iron or copper or wood) and a wooden handle finished with a round knob with sometimes decorative inlays. The blade has a well-marked central edge and can be decorated with engravings. They are ceremonial knives, some of which are made solely of wood (handle and blade) and richly decorated.

This Ikul has 4 holes on the blade probably made to identify the clan it belongs to.

According to tradition, King Shyaam aMbul aNgoong would have introduced the ikul in the seventeenth century after a long period of war. The king would then have forbidden the shongo sword to replace it with the ikul, a symbol of peace.

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Additional information

Weight2020 g