"Ikulbapyaang" Knife

Origin: Kuba Tribe, D.R. Congo
Composition: forged iron, wood, metal tacks

This knife, called Ikul (short for Ikulbapyaang), is from the famous Kuba Kingdom in Kasaï Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This type of blade was introduced by the Kuba king at the beginning of the 19th century, and represents a symbol of peace. Historically, Ikul knives have been made of iron, brass, or copper—this example is forged from iron (Ref: Elsen, “De fer et fe fierté”).

This is particularly old piece was found while on a field collecting trip to the Congo in 2008.

The original, undated photograph (left) was taken by Eliot Elisofon in Bungamba village between 1942 and 1972. It depicts a Kuba soldier known as “Iyol” (right), and an unnamed Kuba tribe elder (left), both of whom are wearing an Ikul knife on their right hip. Photo © Smithsonian Instutution and Eliot Elisofon.

The age of this piece and the history of use can be authenticated by the buyer simply handling and closely examining it. The dull, softened texture of the metal blade would be impossible to recreate in a contemporary workshop while maintaining the ten tightly-curved parallel incisions which frame both sides of the blade. The amount of time to craft the blade—just the blade—makes this piece particularly impressive. Noting the use and placement of this style of knife in the photo of the two Kuba tribesmen make it impossible to just admire the beauty of the form—it cannot be removed from the cultural context for which it was constructed. The weight of the knife and the softness of the crafted handle (from years of use) make this a spectacular piece and a wonderful bargain for a collector.