Knife of peace "ikula" · D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3043006
Jacques Billen, Brussels, Belgium
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.
The object Knife of peace “ikula” with the object ID 3043006 was last part of the auction 87th Tribal Art Auction at November 11, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 407.
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Comparing literature
Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Werner Fischer, Afrikanische Waffen, Passau 1978, p. 154, ill. 279