Knife of peace "ikula" · D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3043006
not available anymore
Provenance
Patrick Mestdagh, Brussels, BelgiumJacques Billen, Brussels, Belgium
Size
H: 35,5 cm
H: 14.0 inch
Description
copper alloy, wood, blade with raised middle ridge on either side, handle elaborately decorated with brass sheet, min. dam., slight traces of corrosion, base.
King Shamba-Bolongo distinguished himself as a man of peace, and preached to his people morality and loving one’s enemy. Around 1600 he forbade the legendary throwing knife “shongo”. In its place he introduced the peace knife “ikula” which is still used by the Kuba today.
Comparing literature
Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Werner Fischer, Afrikanische Waffen, Passau 1978, p. 154, ill. 279