KUBA (CONGOLESE) SWORD ILWOON

23 ½” length, 25” mounted. Iron blade intricately forged with stepped line bordered spatulate tip pierced with a hole. Deeply offset ridged forte. One piece wood hilt with broad pommel as found on the ikula, knife with very intricately carved top. The base with an iron ring. Heavily encrusted throughout from ritual use. These were primarily ceremonial weapons for the King and his court, though evidently used in battle as well. This example is particularly well aged with evidence of use. Fine quality and incorporating all the attributes of early African Art.