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Short sword (ikul)
Kuba
20th century
Object Place: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/Technique
wood, copper alloy, wire
Dimensions
Height x width: 14 3/4 x 4 1/8 in. (37.47 x 10.48 cm)
1 3/8" deep.
1 3/8" deep.
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2563
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Africa and Oceania
ClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing – Swords, daggers, knives
Iron knives, swords, and other weapons are more than armaments; they are powerful symbols of prestige and authority. Many weapons are intricately adorned with abstract geometric patterns, figurative elements, western-made objects, and copper accents, all of which are intended to increase the status of the object's owner. In addition to the functional and ceremonial aspects of African weaponry, iron blades were excellent trade items that could function as currency.
The Kuba club-knives come in a wide variety of blade shapes and are known for their elaborately decorated handles that can be adorned with abstract geometric patterns or copper wire.
The Kuba club-knives come in a wide variety of blade shapes and are known for their elaborately decorated handles that can be adorned with abstract geometric patterns or copper wire.
ProvenanceGeneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)