Short Sword, Ikul
Kuba, D.R. Congo
Brass, wood
Early 20th century
Every adult Kuba man carried an ikul in historical times. As occurred in many other cultures, the sword served as a symbol of adult masculinity. The Kuba are notable for their skills in blacksmithing and the importance in which they hold the community's blacksmith. Smithing was (alongside weaving and a select few other arts) considered a royal art. This explains why the bearing of arms was regarded by the Kuba not only as a cultural symbol of class, manhood, and warriorhood, but also of kingship.
The ikul was first designed and created by King Shyaam aMbul aNgoong in the early 17th century, and was originally carried exclusively by the Kuba of the ruling Bushoong clan as a symbol of peaceful reign. That a weapon should serve as a symbol of peace may seem confusing, but this accurately reflects the fact that peace can often only be guaranteed by a government possessing effective military force.
While every free Kuba man carried an Ikul, during a new moon, when the moon isn't visible in the sky, only wooden Ikul (faux knives) could be brandished (Elsen, De Fer et De fierté, 2003; "Ikul (1907.21.25)," Pitt Rivers Museum, here).
13.625 in :: 34.5 cm
InventoryID #13-1773
Price on Request
