Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)

  • Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)

  • Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)

  • Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)

  • Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)

  • Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)

  • Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)

  • Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)

  • Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)

Kuba Ikul (Ikulbapyaang)
Kuba
Kasaï - Sankuru River Region - Kasaï District, Congo Free State - Kasaï, Belgian Congo (Kasaï, Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Late 19th - Early 20th century (ca. 1890 - 1920)
Wood, iron
Blade: 27,3cm
Hilt & Blade: 39,4cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2021
Collection Number: 170

The ikul knife is a ceremonial knife used by the Kuba during the rites of passage into manhood. Every adult male would carry one, and its form would represent its owner's societal status within the community. There are as many as 20 different varieties in complexity, materials, blade shape, decorations, and size. Historically, ikuls are also used as a symbol of peace.

This example has a symmetrical leaf- shaped iron blade with a thickened medial ridge that separates two wide central fullers, engraved with linear incisions. The point ends in a flared tip style. There are a series of nine circular holes within the blade. The hilt is carved from wood with a darkened resin preservative, likely burnt palm oil. Small crack on the handle.

A less common form with the flared point and nines circular holes, a status oriented symbol of rank. Likely around 1900 or shortly thereafter.